The Yerrabi Pond black swan family in the minutes before two dogs attacked. Photo: Supplied.
The horrific mauling of a black swan family at Yerrabi Pond has outraged a community that’s had enough of unleashed dogs in the area.
The two adult swans and their three cygnets were being admired by families at the Amaroo/Horse Park Drive end of the pond on Saturday (22 August), where they’re known to forage and nest.
A Bonner woman, who requested to remain anonymous, was showing her husband and toddler son the waterbirds when a man approached the area with two dogs.
One was on leash and another, a smaller dog, was free to roam.
The woman said one swan started honking in warning to protect its cygnets.
The man was trying to call the smaller dog back, and the woman and her family stepped back to protect their young son.
“I heard [the man] say ‘no’ louder and louder,” the Bonner woman said.
“It grabbed one of the swans, took it to the side in the grass and started mauling it.”
During the chaos, the leashed dog grabbed hold of one of the cygnets.
“[The man] was yelling at both of them, but they weren’t responding.”
It all happened within about 10 minutes, with the man then running from the scene with his two animals.
ACT Wildlife was called and arrived to take the swan and cygnet to an emergency vet.
They didn’t survive.
The Bonner woman said the remaining swans seemed to understand that two of their family members were gone.
“One of the parents and the two cygnets … were calling out,” she said.
“It wasn’t honking, it was this really sad noise.”
Black swans are monogamous and can mate for life. It’s also been documented that they can grieve.
The Bonner woman said she was too nervous to return to the area where the attack occurred, given that people often walk their dogs off-leash around the pond.
“What if my little one had run across to the swans and that’s when the dogs attacked?” she asked.
“I’m a bit scared now of going by myself.”
What remains of the Yerrabi Pond black swan family following the dog attack. Photo: Supplied.
Animal advocate and Forde resident Jo McKinley is a frequent visitor to Yerrabi Pond, often visiting the black swan family each day.
“Every time I walk the lake, there’s always people stopped, mesmerised by how gorgeous this particular family of swans were,” she said.
“This has left the community devastated.”
Black swans are a fully protected native species under the Native Conservation Act 2014 and the Animal Welfare Act 1992. It is a crime to harm, catch or interfere with them.
The Domestic Animals Act 2000 also outlines penalties for a dog causing serious injury to another animal, with a maximum penalty of 100 units (about $16,000) or one year’s imprisonment. Failure to report dog attacks within five days is also an offence.
Ms McKinley’s called for a full investigation – and potential prosecution – of the man with the dogs (if he can be identified).
She also wants the ACT Government to establish fully enclosed off-leash dog areas at Yerrabi Pond, clearer signage about on-leash requirements in the area, increased ranger presence or patrols at Yerrabi Pond, public signage discouraging bread-feeding of waterbirds, and a public update from the relevant government agency on the status of this case.
“I’ve always cared about and had concerns for the ACT’s wildlife … but this is, for me, a little bit personal because I got to know this family and I continue to visit the mother swan and cygnets,” Ms McKinley said.
“It’s the most heartbreaking thing to know this mother swan has been left with her two cygnets on the lake, and they’re on their own.”
It is not permitted to have dogs off-leash on the path around Yerrabi Pond, and dogs must be kept on-leash on all of Canberra’s footpaths (regardless of whether they’re in an off-leash area).
An ACT Government spokesperson confirmed there was an active investigation into the swans’ deaths.
“We recognise that the loss of local wildlife can be upsetting for community members. As this is an active investigation, we are unable to provide further details on the incident at this time,” they said.
Canberra has nine fenced dog parks – three of which are located in Gungahlin.
The spokesperson reminded dog owners that it was their responsibility to ensure their pets are properly trained, socialised and managed when in public places.
“[They] are also expected to manage their dogs so that they do not disturb or endanger other animals,” they said.
“Where wildlife is present, owners should take additional care and leash their dogs if there is any risk that effective control may be compromised.”
You can find out more information about the rules for dogs in Canberra’s public places through City Services.
Original Article published by Claire Fenwicke on Region Canberra.
