The ACT Government is being called on to improve safety for black swans living at Yerrabi Pond.

The calls come from local Gungahlin residents, after an unleashed dog attacked one of the resident black swans and his cygnet.

The father swan died at the scene attempting to protect his cygnet. The cygnet was taken to an
emergency vet by ACT Wildlife but was in critical condition and died a short time later

Jo McKinley, local animal advocate, says there are significant changes that need to be enacted to protect the wildlife.

“Other district parks in Canberra have proper dog enclosed areas – Yerrabi doesn’t have one of these and that’s the simplest fix I see here,” Ms McKinley says.

“So I’m personally asking for three things. One is a proper investigation [into the incident], two is a fenced off-leash area, and three is clearer signage around Yerrabi Ponds [about around on-leash requirements], because this incident was preventable.”

Photo: Jo McKinley