Reports of dogs harassing penguins on Otago beaches have led authorities to again warn dog walkers to take extra care in areas that are home to marine wildlife, or their animal could be seized.
Earlier this year, a dog was filmed attacking a sea lion pup and now reports were coming in to the Department of Conservation of dogs harassing penguins.
It is a sensitive time of year for the endangered yellow-eyed penguin and the more widespread little blue penguin, as they are land-bound while they moult.
"It's also common for erect-crested penguins, which breed on the Antipodes and Bounty islands, as well as Snares crested penguins and Fiordland crested penguins to show up on local beaches at this time of year," Doc coastal Otago ranger Mel Young said.
Penguins moult annually, replacing all of their feathers at once, during a three- to four-week period when they are unable to go to sea.
"This is a stressful time of year for penguins and attacks by dogs are usually fatal.
"We are particularly concerned about reports of dogs harassing penguins at Brighton Beach."
Dunedin City Council senior animal control officer Jim Pryde said dog owners had responsibilities when exercising dogs around protected wildlife.
"If something serious happens, the consequences are far greater than simply putting your dog on a lead. Dogs can be seized and destroyed," he said.
"Even on beaches where it is usually permitted to exercise dogs off the lead, it is important to be considerate and respect wildlife activity. I would ask dog owners to comply with any Doc signage."
The public were advised to keep their dogs on leads at all times when visiting beaches where penguins might be present, to minimise their impact on Otago's penguin population during the moult, he said.
Under the Dog Control Act 1996, up to three years' imprisonment or fines of up to $20,000 and an order for destruction of the dog can be imposed on a dog owner whose animal kills or severely injures protected penguins.
The public can contact Doc on 0800 362 468 if they are concerned for any wildlife in danger.
DCC Dog Control can be contacted on (03) 477-4000.
