Dog kills penguin

The death of a little blue penguin/kororā killed by a dog at Ō amaru Harbour on Sunday may affect the entire nest, and will come with penalties for those responsible, the Waitaki District Council says. Council senior compliance officer Tristan Hope said the council is calling for witnesses to Sunday’s incident. Little blue penguins are a protected species, and owners of dogs that cause the death of protected wildlife under the Dog Control Act 1996 could face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.

The dog may also be ordered to be destroyed, the council said.