Protected penguins found dead and injured near a nesting colony in Burnie Tasmania
Horrifying discovery of protected penguins found dead and injured near nesting colony leads to charges against three youngsters
- Penguins attacked in Burnie
- Three teens face charges
- A penguin was operated
Three Tasmanian teenagers have been charged after allegedly killing and injuring little penguins in the northwest of the state.
Following an appeal to the public, police have identified the youths allegedly involved in the March 12 incident in Burnie.
The teens led officers to a location on Burnie West Beach where a dead penguin was found.
Another penguin, who was rescued by a member of the public, underwent surgery on his injuries.
Police charged the three, between the ages of 12 and 15, with crimes of animal cruelty, including the maiming and killing of a protected species.
Following an appeal to the public, police have identified the youths allegedly involved in the March 12 incident in Burnie (pictured, a file image)
The teens led officers to a location on Burnie West Beach where a dead penguin was found (Pictured Burnie in northwest Tasmania)
Police charged the three youths, between the ages of 12 and 15, with crimes of animal cruelty, including the maiming and killing of a protected species.
“Police would like to thank the community members who came forward and provided crucial information leading to the identification of these youths,” authorities said in a statement.
They will be subject to the provisions of the juvenile justice law.
“Police would like to thank the community members who reached out and provided crucial information leading to the identification of these youths,” authorities said in a statement.
Burnie Beach is home to colonies of penguin species, with sunset tours running between October and March when the birds return from feeding at sea.
In 2018, a man was sentenced to 49 hours of community service for beating six little penguins to death at nearby Sulfur Creek.
Burnie Beach is home to colonies of penguin species, with sunset tours running between October and March when the birds return from feeding at sea.