A decision to impose a $200 fine rather than throw the full weight of the law at the owners of Kerikeri's kiwi-killing dogs has been defended by the Far North District Council.
Between May and August at least eight kiwi were killed by dogs in the Wharau Rd-Inlet Rd area.
DNA testing of dog saliva found on some of the carcasses allowed DoC rangers and council animal control officers to identify a bull mastiff bitch as responsible for at least some of the deaths.
Two other dogs were suspected to have taken part. All three were at the same property but had two different owners.
The Dog Control Act states that the owner of a dog that causes serious injury to a person or kills protected wildlife can be fined up to $20,000 or jailed for up to three years.
However, rather than prosecute the owners in court, the council decided to issue two $200 fines for failing to keep a dog under control.
One dog was put down by its owner and another by the council. The third, which was unwell when surrendered to animal control officers, died in the pound.
District services manager Dean Myburgh said the council considered all the evidence and sought legal advice before deciding not to prosecute.
Prosecution was one of a number of options available and was pursued only if it was in the public interest.
"If good outcomes can be achieved by other means, we need to consider them. In this case the owner was contrite and handed over the dog willingly.
"She has learned a harsh lesson and will be a better dog owner in future," Dr Myburgh said.
The woman was also working with DoC on an education programme to encourage other owners to take responsibility for their animals in kiwi areas.
Dr Myburgh said taking the dog owners to court would have been a significant expense to ratepayers with no guarantee of winning the case.