The death of a blue penguin at Ōamaru Harbour at the weekend serves as a reminder to dog owners to keep their pets on a lead in the area.

A korōra was killed by a dog at the harbour on Sunday (November 20), and the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony and Waitaki District Council wanted dog owners to be aware of their responsibilities while in the area.

Waitaki District Council senior compliance officer Tristan Hope said while the harbour was a nice place for dogs to have a swim, the entire Ōamaru Harbour was an “on-lead” area.

“This means dogs need to be on their leads and under effective control at all times,” he said.

Signage already in the area, to let the public know the Waitaki Dog Control Bylaw regulations, would be updated by council and penguin colony staff. 

As well as having to be on a lead, dogs were also prohibited in the harbour between sunset and sunrise. Dog owners found breaching the rules, were liable for a $300 fine.

The little blues are a protected species, and the owner of a dog causing their death, under the Dog Control Act 1996, could also go to jail for up to three years or be fined up to $20,000, or both. The dog may also be

ordered to be destroyed. 

Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony science and environmental manager Dr Philippa Agnew said the loss of the penguin on Sunday could affect an entire nest, as penguins worked as a mating team and relied on each other to

raise their chicks.

An extended breeding season, with the first eggs spotted in May, meant chicks in the colony were close to fledging, she said. 

“So we really want to send a strong reminder to please keep your dogs on their lead while visiting the Ōamaru Harbour area.”

There was a variety of wildlife at the harbour, and shags breeding at the moment were also at risk from dogs, Dr Agnew said.

If any member of the public was a witness or has any further information about Sunday’s incident, please contact Council on 03 433 0300.