Fatal attack on kiwi highlights need to keep dogs under control

Yes, and I'd like to see how many birds cause problems too! Birds and collars with bells go hand and hand.

A fatal dog attack on a Stewart Island brown kiwi at the weekend could be just a sign of a bigger problem, the Department of Conservation said.

The small, lifeless body of the kiwi was discovered lying on Traill Park, opposite the Oban police station on Stewart Island, by a member of the public and reported to DOC yesterday.

DOC Stewart Island field centre supervisor Sharon Pasco said the kiwi's death was disappointing and could be an indication of a bigger problem.

Evidence suggested that once a dog got a taste for kiwi, killings would continue. "Once a dog gets a taste for kiwi or for something like this, they may just rush up into the bush and kill them." MORE>>