Dog attacks on kiwi double

Dogs have reportedly killed more than double the number of kiwi around Kaitaia so far this year.

Seven kiwi deaths have been reported in the area this year compared with three last year, said Department of Conservation spokesman Rodger Cawte.

The latest case happened in the past month when a kiwi found dead just south of Kaitaia had wounds consistent with a dog attack.

Mr Cawte had earlier reported that a dog, left to wander at night in the Far North district, was found with a freshly killed kiwi.

"The trend is alarming, particularly since we are seeing only part of the picture through those kiwi deaths that are actually reported."

Mr Cawte said people who had dogs and lived in areas where there were kiwi needed to ensure their animals were not roaming uncontrolled.