The Department of Conservation is advising dog owners to keep their family pets under control following the deaths of 2 critically-endangered yellow-eyed penguins or hoiho.
The deaths become part of a wave of events including dogs and wildlife on Otago beaches because the start of the year. The deaths took place in 2 different cases.
The newest occurred at Purakaunui Bay, where a lap dog was strolling off lead and whipped a male hoiho, eliminating it within seconds.
In a media release, DOC ranger Richard Seed said it was a terrible pointer for all dog owners to keep their family pets under control on the beach.
“Hoiho are one of the world’s rarest penguin species, and we are lucky to share our coastline with them. Their population is rapidly declining due to a range of threats on land and at sea.”
Earlier this year, DOC says a hoiho was observed being harassed by a dog on St Kilda Beach. The penguin later died from its injuries.
“Disturbance and deaths from dogs is such a needless threat but one that our community can help to stop. That means keeping your dogs under effective control at all times, and giving wildlife plenty of space,” Seed said.
“Hoiho are endangered and taonga to Ngāi Tahu. They’re incredibly vulnerable, especially from February to April when they come ashore to moult. They – and all other wildlife, deserve to be able to come ashore and rest.”
Other events including dogs consist of an off-lead dog getting and shaking a sea lion puppy on Tomahawk Beach, according to DOC. The sea lion got no long-term injuries.
Meanwhile, in February, a red-billed gull was whipped by a dog on Brighton Beach, it was required to Dunedin Wildlife Hospital however passed away from its injuries.
Seed said individuals ought to accept that any dog can hurting wildlife.
“We understand everybody is frightened when things like this take place, and it’s not deliberate.
“We constantly hear individuals stating that their dog would never ever hurt wildlife, however individuals require to comprehend that any dog, no matter the breed or how well-mannered they are, can hurting or eliminating wildlife.
“We’ve seen it far a lot of times,” he said.
If anybody has any details, or witnesses any wildlife being bothered or assaulted, they are advised to get in touch with DOC.
