Doc Manawatu: Control pets and leave seals alone

DOC'S national policy for New Zealand fur seal (kekeno) responses is minimum intervention to avoid causing stress to the animal.

Seal pups are starting to appear on beaches around the country, prompting warnings to dog owners to control their pets.

The DOC Manawatu office has received several calls about fur seals (kekeno)already at Waikawa, Foxton and Himatangi beaches.

Recently DOC responded to a call about a sick seal at Waikawa Beach, which subsequently died and was buried at the beach.

Senior community ranger for the Manawatu district Nicole Sutton, said whether their pet is on-lead or running free, dog owners are required by law to ensure that their dog does not injure, or cause distress to wildlife.

"Dog attacks on seals [are] certainly something we want to raise awareness of, and prevent," she said. "Even the most loving and well-behaved dog is capable of hurting or distressing wildlife. Uncontrolled dogs on beaches hinder conservation efforts by reducing breeding success rates and increasing wildlife stress, injuries, and fatalities."

Ms Sutton said DOC's national policy for New Zealand fur seal responses is minimum intervention to avoid stressing the animal, unless they are in obvious trouble.

"We will only respond to reports of seals that are at risk of being harmed or causing harm, or are seriously injured," she said. "It is common to see seals resting on shore for long periods of time. They may be immobile for long periods, or look as if they are crying, sneezing or coughing. This is all typical behaviour for seals."

Although they are marine mammals, kekeno spend a lot of time on land. They need to come ashore to rest.

They may look harmless but seals can move very quickly if they feel threatened and they bite.

Ms Sutton said it was best to stay at least 20m away and not to get between them and the sea.

"Do not try to move a seal or pick it up and take it home," she said.

People can report seal and other marine mammal sightings using an online form on the DOC website: www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/marine-mammals/seals/

Filling in this form helps DOC look after marine mammals by providing information about population sizes, breeding rates and movement patterns.

If you come across a seal that has been injured, or one that is in danger of being harmed, call the DOC hotline on 0800 362 468.