Auckland

There has been increasing concern over recent years at the number of reported attacks by dogs on native wildlife.  Uncontrolled dogs are known to kill flightless birds like kiwi, weka and penguin.  Dogs can also attack or intimidate people.

Most conservation reserves managed by the DOC in the Auckland region are closed to dogs.  Dogs on leads are allowed access to a few areas.

Dog owners are required to follow these rules to help protect wildlife that is vulnerable to being killed or disturbed by dogs.  Controlling dog access also protects and respects other people's rights to use and enjoy public conservation areas.

Many Hauraki Gulf islands are free of introduced predators such as possums, rats and stoats, and are, or will become, sanctuaries for precious native species like kiwi and takahe.  All DOC-managed islands must be kept 100% dog-free at all times.

Dogs are a particular threat to ground-nesting shore birds such as the New Zealand dotterel, found throughout the Auckland region.  These birds may desert their nests if they are disturbed by dogs, leaving their eggs or chicks to die.

Dogs may also bother protected marine mammals such as the New Zealand fur seal, whose young commonly haul out onto West Auckland beaches for a rest.