Dog-mauling sparks warning

Taranaki dog owners are being warned to keep their animals on a leash while at the beach after a blue penguin was savaged at Oakura.

"It's pretty disgusting. It seemed like an unnecessary thing to happen," Conservation Department marine ranger Callum Lilley said."It looked like it had been crushed."

The penguin was brought into the department by a member of the public on Wednesday but it died before it could get veterinary care.

"Be well aware that even though it may be a beach that's frequented by people, there are still wildlife that live in the area," he said. "Keep your dog on a leash if it is not of the nature where you can control it," Mr Lilley said.

MORE>>