Kiwi-killing dogs destroyed, owners fined

CLEAR AS: There can be no confusion regarding the need to keep dogs under control on Wharau Road. PICTURE/PETER DE GRAAF

Three dogs have been destroyed and two owners fined after the worst spate of kiwi killings in the Bay of Islands in almost 30 years.

The bodies of eight kiwi mauled by dogs were found in the Wharau Road area, east of Kerikeri, between May 22 and August 3. The actual number killed is thought to be higher.

The deaths sparked an extensive investigation by the Department of Conservation and Far North District Council animal control officers, which included matching dog saliva found on dead kiwi with DNA samples taken from dogs in the area.

They also patrolled the Wharau Road and Kerikeri Inlet Road area, looking for uncontrolled dogs, and went door-to-door to talk to dog owners.

DOC senior ranger Adrian Walker said DNA was collected from three of the dead birds. Dog DNA could not be collected from the other five because they had been dead too long when their bodies were found.

"We also took skin and fur samples from four dogs. This was to see if their DNA matched dog saliva found on the three dead kiwi we were able to get DNA material from.

"The outcome of our investigation is that three dogs have been euthanased," Mr Walker said.

"The three owners have co-operated fully with the investigation, and each agreed to have their dogs put down."

Two of the owners were fined $200 by the Far North District Council for failing to keep their dogs under control. DOC would not comment as to why two were fined and not the third.

Animal control officer Ken Thomas said his staff would continue patrolling Wharau and Kerikeri Inlet roads, looking for uncontrolled dogs.

Any that were found uncontrolled, in the open or on someone's property, would be removed and the owner issued an instant $200 fine.

"Uncontrolled dogs are a major risk to kiwi living in this area. We won't stand by while irresponsible owners allow their dogs to kill kiwi," Mr Thomas said.

The penalties for allowing a dog to kill wildlife can be severe. The Dog Control Act states that the owner of a dog that causes serious injury to a person or kills protected wildlife can be fined up to $20,000 or jailed for up to three years. The Wharau Road owners were charged with the lesser offence of failing to keep a dog under control, which carries a maximum fine of $3000.

The worst spate of kiwi deaths in the Bay of Islands in recent history occurred in 1987, when a single dog abandoned in Waitangi Forest killed an estimated 500 of them.

DOC's advice to people living in kiwi zones:

-If you see a wandering dog, follow it home and speak to the owner, or secure the dog if it is safe to do so, then call FNDC animal control on (09) 401-5200 or the 24-hour council helpline, 0800 920-029. An animal control officer will be sent out to seize the dog.

-Talk to your neighbours and come up with a plan to ensure your dogs don't kill kiwi.