Protected penguins found killed and injured near nesting colony in Burnie Tasmania

Three Tasmanian teenagers have been charged after allegedly killing and injuring little penguins in the state’s north-west.

Following an appeal to the public, police identified the youths allegedly involved in the March 12 incident at Burnie.

The teens led officers to a location on Burnie West Beach where a dead penguin was found.

Another penguin, which was rescued by a member of the public, underwent surgery for its injuries.

Police have charged the three, aged between 12 and 15, with animal cruelty offences, including the maiming and killing of a protected species.

Following an appeal to the public, police identified the youths allegedly involved in the March 12 incident at Burnie (pictured, a stock image)

The teens led officers to a location on Burnie West Beach where a dead penguin was found (pictured, Burnie in north-west Tasmania)

Police have charged the three youths, aged between 12 and 15, with animal cruelty offences – including the maiming and killing of a protected species

‘Police would like to thank members of the community who came forward and provided crucial information which led to the identification of these youths,’ authorities said in a statement

They will be subject to the provisions under the youth justice act.

‘Police would like to thank members of the community who came forward and provided crucial information which led to the identification of these youths,’ authorities said in a statement.

The Burnie foreshore is home to colonies of the penguin species, with dusk tours held between October and March as the birds return from feeding at sea.

In 2018, a man was sentenced to 49 hours of community service for bludgeoning six little penguins to death at nearby Sulphur Creek.

The Burnie foreshore is home to colonies of the penguin species, with dusk tours held between October and March as the birds return from feeding at sea