Daffy's "ducknappers" have revealed their good intentions.
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 it’s 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 duck’s 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.
“People need to keep their dogs on a lead or that duck will be taken. It’s illegal to have your dog off its lead down there anyway.
“I’m very concerned about the dogs. That duck will be killed by a dog — it’s a no-brainer.”
Police spoke with Ms Bell after witnesses saw her and her partner take the duck and reported their licence plate number to The Standard.
“(When the police came around) we told them all this and they were fine with it,” Ms Bell said.
“They understood.”
When The Standard spoke to police after their visit to speak with Ms Bell, the officers did not relay any information about her good deed or the reasons behind her taking Daffy.
Ms Bell said she loved animals and was only trying to help the duck.
“If you see an animal in trouble, don’t let it suffer — get out and help it,” she said.
“Someone’s got to help these animals. They can’t say if they need help.”