There seems to be a strange reluctance in local councils to enforce local
by-laws - and not just in this area. I am sure for example that if our
local council sent someone round to fine all the people parking on nature
strips they would more than cover their costs. Dog off-lead areas are
another area where I assume councils have the responsibility but seem to do
nothing. I have lived in Werribee for around 10 years, walk my dogs (on
lead!) every day in an "on-lead" area and I would see dogs off-lead every
day - but not once in that time have I seen a council by-laws officer.
On 27 November 2012 11:00, Michael Tarburton <>wrote:
> G'day bird observers
>
> Not only are these plovers in trouble, so are many ducks. Yesterday in
> Gardiners Creek Walk, a woman with three large dogs and a young couple with
> her was throwing a ball out onto the pond near the reeds for the dogs to
> retrieve. When one of the dogs gave up chasing the ball and took off after
> a pair of Pacific Black Duck and their 3 very small ducklings, she started
> yelling at the dog which took no notice. I could not help bellow out to
> her "Irresponsible dog owner - how many ducklings has it in its mouth" she
> replied "none" I responded "the dog should be on a leash", She replied "It
> is now" . "Thanks " - was my reply.
>
> In the last four years, Australian Wood Duck, Pacific Black Duck, and
> Chestnut Teal have all hatched eggs in Wurundjeri Walk (Blackburn South,
> Melbourne), but none have raised any. Dogs, foxes and cats are all still
> to be seen in the walk, which has the requirement that dogs be on leashes.
> At least half of the dogs are off their leashes.
>
> So what do ducks do? In NZ and West Aust, they used to find safety in the
> suburban lakes and creeks (I hope they still do) but in Victoria, they get
> shot if they leave the suburbs and their offspring get eaten if they stay.
> What a dilemma.
>
> Actually There are 8 more-than-half-grown Wood Ducklings wandering along
> the creek and feeding on the lawns of the Advent Care - Whitehorse (Old
> Folks Home) in Nunawading. So maybe we should invest in more aged-care
> facilities.
>
> I hope somebody has a better story.
>
> Cheers
>
> Mike
>
> ===================
> Michael Tarburton
>
> ===================
>
>
>
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