Beach users at SliverSands and Sellicks are being urged to take extra care and keep their dogs under control at all times to protect a precious hooded plover chick that hatched on the 3^rd of January.

The chick and its parents are being currently protected by the Hoodie Helpers volunteer group.

Extra care is needed around the nest site at the bottom of Button Road, in front of the Aldinga Washpool between SilverSands and Sellicks Beach.

Mayor Erin Thompson says while council want dogs and their owners to enjoy the beaches just as much as other users, it’s important that dogs are kept under control at all times.

“We’ve had a great breeding season this year,” she said. “We’ve had four fledged chicks this year.”

“We’re really hoping that people can follow the signage and keep out of their way and give them plenty of space and give them the best chance of survival this summer.”

“We need to all we can to help them; it takes about five weeks before they can fly so they’re very vulnerable in that period.”

Mayor Thompson says they received a report of horse being attacked by an out-of-control dog at Aldinga Beach late last year but when rangers arrived the owner had taken the dog and left the area.

Investigations are ongoing.