8 Sep 2008

Rangers trap dogs responsible for seal killings

6:20 pm on 8 September 2008

Department of Conservation rangers have caught the last two dogs in a pack that has been savaging baby seals in Northland.

At least 30 seal pups have been slaughtered and some eaten alive by marauding dogs at Tauroa Point, on the southern tip of Ninety Mile Beach in the Far North.

The rangers shot one dog, impounded two, and trapped the remaining pair at the weekend.

The department's Kaitaia manager, Jon Maxwell, says the seal killings have shocked the community and local dog owners are now being vigilant about tying their dogs up and reporting any strays.

Mr Maxwell says seals have been weaning their young in increasing numbers on rocks at Tauroa Point.