Be vigilant about pets, says wildlife rescuer

A Peninsula Wildlife Animal Rescue and Care Society volunteer has urged local pet owners to be vigilant of the whereabouts of their animals following the attack on a goose at Woy Woy waterfront last week.

Affectionately named by its rescuer "Gussy the goose", the large white bird was rescued near the Woy Woy Memorial Park Garden in Brickwharf Rd, Woy Woy, after a local resident reported the injured bird to ARC volunteers Keith and Nora Elder on January 19.

The goose is believed to have lived in the area for more than six years.

One local resident reported seeing the goose rescue a flock of ducks by herding them up off the roadway, according to Ms Elder.

The Woy Woy volunteers rescued Gussy, who had sustained a deep leg wound, and took him to Leslie St Vet Clinic in Umina where he received free medical care.

Ms Elder said the vet confirmed that the wound sustained by Gussy was from a large bite mark.

"It is just heart breaking to see this sort of thing happen time and time again," Ms Elder said.

"If it's not a bird being attacked by cats and dogs, it is a possum or other native wildlife.

"What is particular disturbing was when we rescued Gussy from Woy Woy Memorial Gardens, there were dog owners letting off their dogs within the walls of the park.

"One unleashed dog chased a group of birds away from the area.

"One of the birds could have easily been caught by the dog and torn to shreds.

"Not to mention how disrespectful it is to have your dog running around in a sacred space dedicated to our war veterans."

According to Ms Elder, pet owners should be mindful of where their pets are at all times.

"Not only should dogs be kept on leashes when being taken for walks but cats should be left indoors at night and as much as possible throughout the day to prevent attacks on wildlife.

"After seeing Umina and Woy Woy as one of the worst areas in state for cat and dog attacks, it is not hard to see why it is important for pet owners to be responsible."

Mr and Mrs Elder said Gussy was recovering well in the backyard of their Woy Woy home where the couple has cared for and nursed hundreds of animals and native wildlife over their five years as volunteers.

Gussy is expected to return to his home near Woy Woy channel in a couple of weeks.

"We are always looking for more volunteers to join the Wildlife ARC team," Ms Elder said.

"Caring for animals in need is something I have always wanted to do and after retiring it seemed like the best time to start.

"Although the work can be time consuming and expensive at times, the benefits of helping a sick and injured animal far outweigh any of these things."

For more information on Wildlife ARC, contact 4325 0666.

Clare Graham, 21 Jan 2010 Interviewee: Nora Elder, Woy Woy