Eastern North Island Region sees highest seal attacks by dogs

The Department of Conservation says dog attacks on seals and sea lions are occurring most frequently in the Eastern Region of the North Island.

Over the past five years, 75 incidents where dogs attacked, killed or harassed seals or sea lions were recorded nationwide. The Eastern Region of the North Island was the highest represented with 17 instances, followed by the Southern Part of the South Island and the Lower North Island.

Under the Marine Mammals Protection Act (1978), it is an offence to disturb, harass, harm, injure or kill a seal or sea lion.

Department of Conservation Senior Ranger Biodiversity Sam Haultain says it's due to a number of factors.

She says we are seeing more seals and sea lions on our mainland beaches.

"A lot of our beaches are dog exercise areas, and you probably wouldn't expect some of these places to have seals turning up."

It's an important reminder to ensure dogs are under control by their owner."

Haultain says DOC encourages people to stay 20 metres away from marine mammals.

"That is for the seals and sea lions, but actually a little bit of that is for the safety for the dog as well. Some of these wild animals can have diseases and illnesses and we don't want people to end up with their pets sick either."

She says most of the time it's people not realising that the marine animals are there. She encourages dog owners to be mindful that wildlife may be present and to always have their dogs under control.

"Now whether that means they've got incredibly good recall, or if they're on a lead -preferably on a lead. We'd absolutely encourage that, especially if it's going to a place that you haven't been to for a while."

She says even fleeting attacks can still be a significant issue for wildlife.

"It's not just untrained or aggressive dogs that can kill or harm wildlife. Even someone with a small normally docile dog or a well trained hunting dog can do some quite serious injury or death when they're not under control."

DOC encourage anyone to report seeing dogs or people attacking or harassing wildlife to contact their hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).