Dog owners urged to ‘Take the Lead’ this October for platypus safety

Victorian dog owners are being invited to ‘Take the Lead’ this October, with a new awareness campaign urging people to leash their dogs near waterways and help safeguard Victoria's much-loved, yet vulnerable platypus population.  

This timely campaign follows research showing that dog-related attacks are a leading cause of platypus deaths in Victoria. Even without direct attacks, repeated disturbance from dogs can seriously impact the health and survival of these unique creatures. 

Recent figures from Healesville Sanctuary's wildlife hospital highlight just how real the threat is. Last year alone, six platypuses were brought in after dog attacks; heartbreakingly, four of them did not survive.  

But the impact extends well beyond these tragic attacks, warns Leesa Riley, Melbourne Water’s Area Lead Community Programs.  

“Platypuses are usually most active at dawn and dusk, coinciding with when many people are out and about taking their dog for a walk,” Riley said.  

“We’re particularly concerned that repeated disturbances from dogs - whether they’re off-leash or not properly controlled - can disrupt crucial behaviours like feeding, resting and breeding.” 

“Keeping your dog on a lead near waterways doesn't just protect platypuses. It also helps keep your dog safe from fast-moving water, hidden hazards and unexpected encounters with wildlife,” she added.  

Healesville Sanctuary Platypus Specialist Dr Jessica Thomas agrees that keeping dogs on a lead near water is one of the most effective ways the community can protect the species while enjoying time outdoors. 

“When you’re out walking by the water, simply keeping your dog on a lead is one of the easiest ways to help protect our platypus,” she said. 

“Dogs can move fast in the shallows and, all too often, may injure or kill a platypus before their owner even realises. Keeping dogs on a lead keeps everyone – wildlife and pets – safe,” Thomas added. 

The awareness campaign has been developed through a partnership between Melbourne Water, North Central Catchment Management Authority, River Detectives, WaterWatch Victoria, Nillumbik Shire Council, Zoos Victoria, RMIT University, Werribee River Association, Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance, Merri Paddle and NatureWest. 

Three ways you can ‘Take the Lead’ for Platypus 

1. Leash your dog around waterways. 

2. Choose dog-friendly walking routes when visiting waterways with your pooch. Check out Parks Victoria's A-Z guide for dog-friendly walking trails. 

3. Visit platypusspot.org to learn where platypus live and share your platypus sightings. 

By taking these simple steps, dog owners have the power to keep Victoria's waterways safe for platypuses and all our native wildlife for generations to come.