Gulls killed in suspected dog attack in Kaikōura

Dogs are believed to have killed a group of gulls in Kaikōura.

The Department of Conservation and Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura are urging that dogs be kept on a lead along the coast, after 19 gulls/tarāpunga were found dead at South Bay.

DOC South Marlborough senior biodiversity ranger Pat Crowe said dogs in coastal areas posed a threat to birds and seals.

“A member of the public reported the gull deaths to us on Friday, 8 March, and a DOC ranger found 17 adults and two juveniles dead with injuries that appeared to be caused by a small dog or dogs,” Crowe said.

Red-billed gull/tarāpunga were protected native birds, and were a taonga species for Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura.

Crowe said the harming of the gulls was viewed “very seriously”.

“It’s extremely disheartening to see wildlife killed in such a needless and preventable way,” he said.

“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.”

Though tarāpunga were common in coastal areas, Crowe said 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,” Crowe said.

The owner of a dog that killed or seriously injured protected wildlife could be imprisoned for up to three years and fined up to $20,000, and the court could order dogs involved to be put down.

Seals also posed a risk to dogs, and Crowe said DOC had witnessed them attack unsuspecting dogs in the past.

“Dog owners should keep their dogs on a lead, not only to protect wildlife but also to keep their dog safe,” Crowe said.

DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION Nineteen gulls were found dead with injuries that appeared to be caused by a small dog or dogs.