Fatal seal attack inquiry

Irene Mitchell mourns the death of this seal which she saw being attacked by two dogs at All Day...
Irene Mitchell mourns the death of this seal which she saw being attacked by two dogs at All Day Bay, just south of Kakanui. Photo by David Bruce.
An investigation continues into a fatal attack on a seal by two dogs at All Day Bay, with the Department of Conservation pleased at the response to an appeal for information.

Doc Dunedin conservation services manager David Agnew yesterday said much information had been received from the public, which was ''great''.

That information - which included what people knew about the dogs, and what they had heard or seen - was being collated to determine what further action might be necessary.

However, the department would still welcome further information.

Timaru woman Irene Mitchell, who was parked at All Day Bay in her camper van, was awoken by the dogs barking about 7.15am on September 10.

When she looked outside, she saw two greyhound-type dogs attacking a juvenile New Zealand fur seal at the outlet from the wetland.

She yelled at the dogs, which started moving towards their owner, who was standing nearby with four greyhounds on leads.

As the dogs left, the seal sat up then rolled over. When it was pulled from the water, it was dead.

Doc went to collect the body, but it had been washed out to sea and had not been found.

Under the Dog Control Act, an infringement notice could be issued for the attack or court action taken under the Marine Mammals Protection Act, which provides for a fine of up to $250,000 and/or six months' imprisonment for being responsible for the death of a seal.

david.bruce@odt.co.nz

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