About 19 seagulls found dead in Kaikōura’s South Bay are believed to have been killed in an attack by a dog or multiple dogs.
The Department of Conservation and Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura said the saddening episode should serve as a reminder to control dogs in coastal areas.
DOC South Marlborough Senior Biodiversity Ranger Pat Crowe says, dogs should be kept under control in coastal areas as they pose a threat to birds and seals.
"The red-billed gull/tarāpunga is a protected native species and DOC and Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura view the harming of them very seriously. Tarāpunga are a taonga species for Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura.
"It’s extremely disheartening to see wildlife killed in such a needless and preventable way. We work hard to protect gulls and other nesting birds around Kaikōura Peninsula from pest animals so it’s tough to see such a large number of birds killed by a domestic animal."
Crowe said red-billed gulls were commonly seen in coastal areas, but their numbers nationally were declining at an alarming rate. The species currently had a conservation status of "at-risk: declining".
Kaikōura Peninsula is a stronghold for the species with around 3000 pairs nesting there annually, he added.
Under the Dog Control Act 1996, the owner of a dog that seriously injured or killed protected wildlife could be imprisoned for up to three years and fined up to $20,000, or both, if convicted. The court could also order the dog or dogs involved to be destroyed.
"Dog owners should keep their dogs on a lead, not only to protect wildlife but also to keep their dog safe. We have witnessed seals attack unsuspecting dogs in the past," Crowe said.
Anyone with information about the gull deaths was asked to contact the Department of Conservation.
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