Penguin killed in dog attack

A little blue penguin has been killed by a black labrador near central Wellington.

Wellington City Councillor Peter Gilberd, who has the environment portfolio, said the death on Thursday night was a reminder for people to keep dogs on a leash.

The penguin had been roosting in rocks in front of Frank Kitts Park when it was attacked.

‘‘Unfortunately most dogs will naturally see a little blue penguin as prey – and if a dog is off-leash then it’ll kill a penguin in a couple of seconds – before anybody can do anything.’’

People should use the city’s dog parks to provide off-leash exercise, he said.

The council or Department of Conservation (DOC) could prosecute the dog owner if they were found.

Wellington City Council spokesman Richard MacLean said a witness had seen the penguin attacked by the dog.

DOC Wellington operations manager Jack Mace said dogs were thought to be the greatest threat to little blue penguins.

‘‘Penguins are absolutely protected under the Wildlife Act and we will be investigating further to determine whether we can prosecute the person responsible.’’

DOC Wellington biodiversity ranger David Moss said the dog that attacked was a black labrador and its owner could be prosecuted under the Wildlife Act for having an animal under their control killing ‘‘absolutely protected wildlife’’.

There were a ‘‘range of penalties’’ available but this case seemed accidental, which would be a mitigating factor, he said.

According to DOC, the little blue is the world’s smallest penguin at a little more than 25cm tall and weighing around 1kg.