Raw video: Dog attacks New Zealand fur seal on Canterbury beach as owner tries desperately to intervene

September 13, 2018

DOC says "the dog in this video is clearly not under effective control".

Warning: Some people may find the vision in the video upsetting

The owner of a dog that attacked a New Zealand fur seal on a Canterbury beach this week has come forward to the Department of Conservation after footage of the incident emerged.

The dog, which DOC describes as small and white with ginger markings, was filmed by a member of the public attacking a seal on The Pines Beach in Waimakariri.

DOC has released footage of the attack on the seal which lasted around five minutes before the owner was able to control his dog.

"We realise this footage is distressing but we want people to understand how easily a dog attack on a seal can happen. The consequences are almost always bad for the seal and dogs can be bitten as well," Ms Spencer says.

DOC says that last year three seals were killed by dogs on Christchurch beaches.

"The dog in this video is clearly not under effective control and we’re disappointed this is yet another dog attack on a seal," says Ms Spencer.

Following today’s media attention the dog owner has contacted DOC who will be talking to them about the incident as part of their investigation.

DOC recommends keeping dogs on a leash in areas where there are seals present and keeping a safe distance of at least 20 metres away.

People are asked to call the Christchurch Mahaanui DOC office +64 3 341 9100 or the 24-hour DOC hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) if they have any information about the attack, the dog or its owner.


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