A COMMUNITY is in disbelief and shock following the wanton killing of a wild duck by vandals.
One week on from the senseless killing – which took place at the ’duck pond’, on the corner of Abell Road and Parker Road, Cannonvale, last Saturday night (November 9) – the outraged residents are no closer to finding out who did it.
Distressing photographs, taken by the person who found the dead animal the next morning, show the duck lying amongst blood spattered stones and its own feathers.
Local resident Dodie Andrews, who lives in Abell Road, said the whole community was in ‘uproar’ over the incident.
“Somebody stoned a big white duck to death and left blood and feathers there,” Ms Andrews said.
“Neighbours found it and cleaned it up. Our community in this area is in uproar over it. It’s very upsetting.
“Whoever did it also kicked over the wheelie bin – it’s upended, and rubbish was strewn everywhere.
“It really is terrible. People walk their dogs down their every day, including me. We have never seen anything like this happen before.
“We would really like to see a stop put to it immediately. We’d like the community to know about it, as someone must know who did it.
“Whoever did it has to be found – the community needs to know that it is safe.”
Ms Andrews reported the killing to Whitsunday Regional Council but, unfortunately, the CCTV cameras located at the park are not working.
“They told me that the CCTV cameras at the duck pond haven’t worked for two years,” Ms Andrews said.
“They said there hadn’t been any incidents at the park and it was too expensive to keep the cameras. They’re too expensive to run and they’re trying to cut down on costs.
“Council did say that they had reported it to the RSPCA. I hope someone comes forward – it has to be someone local.”
Dozens of local residents expressed their shock and sadness online, using words such as ‘alarming’, ‘devastating’ and ‘heartbreaking’.
“It’s absolutely and utterly appalling,” said one person.
“My children and I go down there and feed the ducks and have even named them because they love them, who could do this?”
Someone else said: “It’s absolutely horrific and disgusting behaviour.”
And…
“This kind of behaviour in our community cannot be accepted. Someone knows who did this and someone knows the person or people that tipped over the bins last night.
“Please community, let’s find the culprits.”
