The owner of a dog that was caught on film attacking a New Zealand fur seal on a Canterbury beach has come forward.
The attack happened on Pines/Kairaki beach, north of Christchurch, on Tuesday. It was filmed by a member of the public.
Biodiversity ranger Anita Spencer told the Herald
that after media attention today the dog's owner had contacted the Department of Conservation (DOC).
"We will be following up with the dog owner about the incident as part of our investigation.
"We wish to take this opportunity to again remind people to keep their dogs under effective control.
"Seals can be expected on our beaches at any time, however there is likely to be more seals about over spring and summer.
Spencer earlier told the Herald DOC was appealing to the public for information about the dog attack and to locate the owner.
"We want to speak to anyone who may have seen the seal being attacked, or the dog and its owner on the beach around the Pines Beach area, mid to late morning on Tuesday," Spencer said.
DOC has released footage of the attack on the seal which lasted around five minutes before the owner was finally able to control his dog, described as small and white with ginger markings.
"We realise this footage is distressing but we want people to understand how easily a dog attack on a seal can happen," Spencer said.
