Euthanised Seal Pup Highlights Need For Responsible Dog Ownership
A kekeno/seal pup on Paekakariki Beach front has been
euthanised by DOC employees immediately after sustaining significant accidents
from a dog assault early yesterday
morning.
The injured seal pup was
located on some rocks following to the footpath managing parallel
to The Parade at Paekakariki Beach. DOC biodiversity ranger
Colin Giddy suggests the seal was in this kind of inadequate problem it had
to be euthanised.
“Based on the
proof at the site it looked like the seal pup had been
attacked by a dog on the going for walks keep track of and then had dragged
alone on to nearby rocks about 3 metres absent,” claims
Colin.
Colin says these scenarios
are thoroughly avoidable if puppy house owners act responsibly and
command their animals.
“There is a
rationale DOC has polices about leashing and controlling
dogs in the vicinity of wildlife,” says Colin. “Uncontrolled pet dogs on
beaches are a person of the most serious threats to animals like
seals or penguins. People today who disregard the guidelines do true
and measurable hurt to our indigenous wildlife. This form of
incident is totally avoidable, and it is really
disheartening to see it occur
once again.”
It is an offence under the
Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 to disturb, harass, harm,
injure or get rid of a seal. A dog operator whose pet attacks a seal
could confront prosecution, with probable penalties up to
two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and the
destruction of the doggy.
The incident
has been entered into the DOC compliance process and will be
actively investigated by DOC. DOC are asking for everyone with
more facts to contact 0800 DOC Hot (0800 362
468).
DOC’s tips for men and women
who experience a seal is to give it at minimum 20m house, retain
dogs on a leash and small children absent from the seal, and really do not
feed it or disturb it with loud noises or by throwing
points.
The Direct the Way marketing campaign is
striving to avoid these cases by way of advocacy and
awareness, by empowering puppy house owners to share the seashore
safely with wildlife. Obtain out more on the Direct
the Way webpage, or Wellington/Kapiti
Pet dogs on
Seashores.
© Scoop Media

