Ocean Grove’s beloved resident duck, Ned, was killed on Sunday night, prompting an outpouring of emotion.
Ned frequented Blue Waters Lake and was found on Monday morning, with horrific injuries that proved fatal.
Ned was somewhat of a local celebrity and while the cause of death has not been revealed, locals believe he may have been attacked by an off-leash dog.
Vet nurse Layla Moody said Ned’s injuries were not typical of a fox attack and said it was “definitely a dog attack”.
“So very sad. Since moving here three years ago Ned was like the town mascot,” Philippa Logan said on social media.
“Always made you feel good when people would post photos and check in on his adventures. RIP little friend.”
“So sad to hear…Ned was the ‘Character of Blue Waters Lake’” rest in peace Ned,” Marie Simons wrote.
“Oh that’s sad news, the kids and I loved seeing Ned around the lake,” Megan Russell wrote.
“Such a sad loss for all of us who loved seeing Ned on our walks around the lake,” Paulene Richardson wrote.
A memorial for Ned has been set up at Blue Waters Lake Reserve.
