By Karen Poh
RESIDENTS are concerned that youths may be threatening birdlife at the lakes on Gladstone St, St Albans.
St Albans resident Vanessa Pope raised the issue early last week, circulating more than 100 letters to households in the area.
About 15 people responded, turning up at a meeting held at the lake on Saturday to discuss the issue and encourage residents to be vigilant.
“I was appalled, disgusted and angry to hear (about) the death of one of the cygnets,” Ms Pope said.
“It was a violent, unprovoked attack by some youths who stoned the bird to death.”
A few months ago, a young person was seen chasing a goose into the water and catching it by the neck, Ms Pope said.
There were also complaints of hoons driving on the wooden bridge suspended over the lake at Gladstone St.
“There was a lot of mumbling (from residents) about the hoons … the noise,” Ms Pope said.
“They would drive on the bridge with their bikes.
“I hope that by co-operating we can achieve something significant and send out a clear message that these barbaric acts will not be tolerated.”
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSCPA) events and communications manager Brooke Disney said while no official complaint had yet been filed, animal cruelty was taken very seriously by the RSPCA – and cases did go through the courts.
Ms Pope said she hoped residents would be more vigilant from now on.
“Hopefully there’s enough people around (who are aware) … it’s a very simple thing, just to be vigilant,” she said.
“This unacceptable behaviour must be stopped.”
