A young fur seal has been killed by a dog in Hampden, prompting the Department of Conservation to again remind dog owners to keep their animals on leashes around waterways and beaches.
The seal had severe internal injuries including a torn lung which caused its death, Oamaru veterinarian Felicity Morris said.
"It was most likely due to being mauled by a dog."
While there were no outward injuries to the seal, an autopsy showed the damage was consistent with a dog crushing it with its mouth, she said.
The seal was taken to the vet by a member of the public who had seen a dog go up to the seal before it was called off by its owner.
It was alive but died shortly after arriving at the vet clinic.
Department of Conservation biodiversity programme manager David Agnew said a lot of young seals were struggling at this time of year and would find it hard to run away from a dog.
The seals had just been weaned and were trying to fend for themselves so were very vulnerable.
"This is a prime example that it only takes a few seconds, one grab with their jaws and there is internal injuries."
So it was very important that dog owners put their animals on a leash when walking them near or on any beach or waterway along the coast.
