Cops hunt seal killer

A dog attacks a baby fur seal on Muriwai Beach in Auckland on Friday 26 September 2014 . The seal died despite by standers attempting to stop the attack. Photo / Bin Bai

Police are helping Department of Conservation staff to find the owner of a dog that killed a native fur seal pup in a horrific attack.

The Herald on Sunday last weekend reported on the case in which the dog, believed to be a Staffordshire-cross, killed the young sea mammal near Otakamiro Point, at Muriwai.

The attack happened in a place where dogs are banned.

Retired landscape photographer Bin Bai saw the attack but was too far away to help.

However, he took photos of the three-minute attack through a long lens -- including photos of witnesses.

DoC spokesman Nick Hirst said the department had called for police help to find the dog's owner, adding the investigation was "progressing well".

Auckland Council is also investigating the incident and is looking at its rules to see whether they adequately protect wildlife.

Anyone charged under the Marine Mammals Act with harassing, disturbing, injuring or killing a seal faces a maximum penalty of two years' jail or a fine of up to $250,000.

A dog owner whose dog attacks a seal could also face prosecution.

Anyone with information about the incident, can contact DoC on 0800 DOCHOT (0800 362468) or the Herald on Sunday at news@heraldonsunday.co.nz