After another pelican has founded mauled by a dog on the edge of Lake Illawarra, a Berkeley septuagenarian has been verbally abused and intimidated for trying to get people to keep their dogs on a leash.
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Wollongong City Council has promised a greater focus from its rangers to look out for dogs, and police have been called in after wildlife rescue volunteer Betty Spilstead reported an incident last Monday.
Ms Spilstead, 74, a wildlife volunteer for 18 years, has been checking on the pelicans at the Berkeley foreshore and other sites. The most recent bird, recovered last Sunday, brought to five the number of pelicans fatally mauled by a dog in less than three weeks.
Last Monday Ms Spilstead was at William Beach Reserve at Brownsville when she was abused.
"A bloke pulled in in a 4WD, let two dogs out off-lead, and I said 'excuse me, would you mind putting your dogs on a lead?'," she said.
"They both ran off, one into the water. The bloke just went berserk. He said: 'come here, you f-ing stupid old b---- and I'll put the lead on you.
"He verbally abused me badly. As I got in my car, another woman drove in and her dogs got out off-lead. I called the council - while I was on the phone the man came over and tried get into my car and get at me. Luckily I had the motor running and I just bolted. It was really scary."
She reported the man's number plate to police, who came to her house. She's now concerned for her safety and wants it followed up.
Comment was sought from NSW Police.
Ms Spilstead urged anyone who sees dogs menacing pelicans to call police the council, or Wildlife Rescue on 0418 427214.
Wollongong Council said it will increase ranger patrols.
A council spokeswoman said it had not been made aware of the attacks, and called for people with dogs to do the right thing.
"We are in contact with [police] regarding the reported dog attack at Berkeley Harbour on pelicans," she said. "Our animal compliance staff will increase patrols of the Berkeley Harbour area to monitor for dogs that are off-leash and will take further action as needed.
"Like our community, we do not like to hear of injury to native wildlife. We ask all residents to do the right thing and follow the rules when in public spaces, by keeping dogs on a leash at all times."
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Ben Langford
Senior journalist writing on the environment. Opinion columnist, independent. We rely on your news tips so please, don't be shy to let us know what's going on.
Senior journalist writing on the environment. Opinion columnist, independent. We rely on your news tips so please, don't be shy to let us know what's going on.
