Lucky duck rescued in time

Von Chalmers said the duck is expected to make a full recovery. 96588 Picture: MEAGAN ROGERS

By LIA SPENCER

A DUCK is expected to make a full recovery after escaping from a fox and being rescued by a local animal aid organisation last week.
Australian Animal Rescue, based in Devon Meadows, received a call from a man at a Narre Warren business on Saturday morning who saw a duck covered in blood waddling outside.
Volunteer Von Chalmers attended the scene and found two ducks, which seemed to be abandoned and one had gouges on its neck.
“The owners probably got the duck when it was cute and little and then it started to grow up and make noise. Ducks can be messy and smelly, so the owners probably thought it was too hard and dumped them” Ms Chalmers said.
“One of the ducks was grabbed around the neck by a fox, but luckily escaped. It had blood around its neck and looked quite disgusting. The main concern was infection, but the duck now seems to be doing well and has a good chance of survival.”
Ms Chalmers said she was disappointed that the man who found the duck had trouble finding an animal rescue organisation that would help.
“It doesn’t matter if the animal is domesticated or wildlife, a rescue is a rescue,” Ms Chalmers said.
Australian Animal Rescue President Sharon Williamson said she was also frustrated that no other organsiation would come to the duck’s aid.
“In this situation, no-one would help and it happens far too much,” Ms Williamson said.
“(Australian Animal Rescue) is a not-for-profit organisation made up of about 10 volunteers and as long as one of us is available, we try to be available 24/7 to offer help.”
Anyone wanting more information about Australian Animal Rescue can visit the website on www.australiananimalrescue.org.au or the organisation on 0430 883 083.