South Otago Forest & Bird co-chairwoman Jane Young said the recent death of a hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin) at Purakaunui Bay in the Catlins, following a dog attack, was avoidable.
Government officials could do more to protect native species in decline, but appeared to lack the will to do so, Mrs Young said.
"South Island populations of the hoiho have plummeted by about 80% in the past 25 years, and we should be doing everything we can to prevent this rush to extinction.
"Clutha District Council’s bylaw addressing dogs on beaches prohibits them from some Catlins locations, but not Purakaunui Bay. However, a small section of the northern beach is protected by Doc, which also has limited signage prohibiting dogs from its adjoining campground and regulating their control on the beach."
It was not surprising, given the lack of clarity, that such attacks could occur, she said.
"Perhaps neither owner, dog nor penguin was aware [of the regulations]."
Further ambiguity arose from a "weak-kneed" vehicle bylaw the council passed last year.
"There are no council-controlled beaches on which vehicles, in themselves a major threat to wildlife, are prohibited; added to which, the dog bylaw says that it's actually OK to have a dog in a prohibited area as long as it's in a vehicle. It’s a mess."
Similar incidents could be avoided in future by officials providing clear and visible rules for visitors, backed by effective bylaws and enforced with "proper policing", Mrs Young said.
A council spokeswoman said its bylaws were effective, and education and policing already occurred.
"Both of these bylaws were updated within the past year, following public consultation. Protection of wildlife is a feature of both.
"A broad education campaign was undertaken when the vehicles on beaches bylaw came into effect.
"The animal control team regularly educate dog owners about their obligations, including around the protection of wildlife ... Beaches and other public areas are patrolled regularly, and enforcement action or education is taken as required."
A Doc spokeswoman said education was key, and encouraged dog owners to take part in its Lead the Way initiative online.
