KEEP WILDLIFE SAFE AROUND DOGS
Enjoy getting out in nature with your dog without putting native wildlife at risk.
Dogs are the single biggest threat to kororā/little penguins and adult kiwi.
Image: Nathan Pettigrew | ©
WHAT YOU
CAN DO
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Dogs love beaches, but so do shorebirds, penguins and seals. Scan for wildlife every time you take your dog to the beach. If you spot something, keep your dog on a lead.
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Even if your dog just wants to play, they can scare birds off their nest and cause stress or injury, so give wildlife plenty of space – at least 20 metres (that’s four van lengths).
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Keep your dog away from sand dunes and driftwood high up on the beach, where nesting birds are more likely to be found. Stick to the wet sand if you can.
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Visiting a DOC walking track, campsite or hunting area? Leave your dog at home unless you’ve checked dogs are allowed.
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Carry a lead at all times and follow ‘no dogs’ and ‘dogs on lead only’ signs.
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Look out for signs warning about toxins used in predator control – they’re there to keep your dog safe, as well as native wildlife.
HOW YOU'LL
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Keeping your dog under control and out of no-dog areas gives native birds and other animals a chance to rest, eat and raise their young without being disturbed.
Even good dogs are hunters by instinct. For vulnerable species like kororā and kiwi, just one needless death can have a devastating impact.
ARE YOU IN?
It takes everyone to make a difference for nature. Every little bit helps.
READY TO DO MORE?
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Learn about the wildlife that visits your local coastline so you get to know the places and times it’s best to avoid. DOC has guides for dog owners in Auckland, Wellington, Nelson/Tasman and Otago.
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If you live, farm or hunt in kiwi country, sign your dog up for kiwi avoidance training. It’s important to have your dog tested regularly in case they need retraining.
NATURE'S IN
TROUBLE
Thousands of our native species are heading towards extinction, but it’s not too late to save them.
All around New Zealand, Kiwis are bringing nature back.
RELATED ACTIONS
Each time you're at the beach, make it a habit to pick up three pieces of plastic.
Protect nature wherever your path takes you.
Hunt wild deer, goats and other introduced animals, and give future forests a chance to grow.