'Ducknapper' says bird needed vet treatment

Sept. 20, 2012, midnight

THE mystery of the ducknapping has been solved and it turns out it was all in the name of a good deed.

Regina Bell of Warrnambool contacted The Standard yesterday to clarify the claims that she and her partner had ducknapped Daffy, the tame duck which has become a favourite of visitors to the Harbour Pavilion and breakwater area due to its friendliness.

Ms Bell, who objected to witnesses claims that she and her partner were feral-looking, said she had noticed Daffy was suffering from a swollen knee joint.

We took it the duck to the vet to get its leg fixed, she explained. No one had noticed it had a swollen joint.

We took it to the Lava Street Veterinary Clinic and they fixed it and gave it an injection to its knee because it had a swollen joint.

We took it there at about 11am, they had it for the afternoon and then put it in a (wildlife shelter), then released it in the morning. We told council about (the ducks injury) but they said it was fine and leave it alone.

Ms Bell said she and her partner had tried to capture the duck on previous occasions but it had been scared away by dogs.

She said she feared irresponsible dog owners would be the death of the duck.

We were down there and we watched seven dogs nearly attack the duck, Ms Bell said.

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'Ducknapper' says bird needed vet treatment