Two-week-old hoiho. Photo: Janelle Wierenga
Dog owners are being urged to keep their pets under control after two hoiho were killed in Otago.
Hoiho/yellow-eyed penguins are one of the world's rarest penguin species.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) confirmed there has been a spate of incidents involving dogs and wildlife on Otago beaches this year, including an off-lead dog shaking a sea lion pup.
The most recent hoiho death occurred when a small dog, roaming off-lead, mauled a male hoiho and killed it within seconds at Pūrākaunui Bay.
Earlier this year, a hoiho was harassed by a dog on St Kilda Beach before dying of its injuries.
Ranger Richard Seed said disturbance and deaths from dogs was such a needless threat but one that our community could help to stop.
"That means keeping your dogs under effective control at all times, and giving wildlife plenty of space."
People needed to accept that any dog was capable of injuring wildlife, he said.
"We know everyone is horrified when things like this happen and it's not intentional.
"We always hear people saying that their dog would never harm wildlife, but people need to understand that any dog, no matter the breed or how well-mannered they are, is capable of injuring or killing wildlife.
"We've seen it far too many times."
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."
Anyone with information or who witnesses any wildlife being attacked or harassed are encouraged to contact DOC on 0800 DOC HOT.
DOC's golden rules:
- Only take dogs to areas that allow them, and keep them under control
- Keep your dog close and away from the dunes
- If you come across wildlife put your dog on a lead and lead it away
- Warn other dog owners at the location
- Notify DOC if you see wildlife being harassed by people or dogs