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African penguins face threat from pet dogs

In this Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015 file photo, a penguin runs out of the ocean at Boulders beach, a popular tourist destination, in Simon's Town, South Africa.
In this Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015 file photo, a penguin runs out of the ocean at Boulders beach, a popular tourist destination, in Simon's Town, South Africa. AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam

JOHANNESBURG – African penguins struggle to find food at sea, contributing to a sharp drop in numbers over the years. The endangered animals also face a shore-based threat in South Africa – pet dogs.

Authorities in Cape Town say more than 40 penguins were killed this year by one or more dogs and they recently increased patrols in a penguin nesting area where people often take their dogs for a walk.

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The city said Monday that the protective measures along Burgher’s Walk in Simon’s Town, which include requiring leashes for all dogs in the area, have been effective and that full-time patrols will continue until the end of January.

The city says the total population of African Penguins is about 2.5 per cent of what it was 80 years ago.

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