Dogs and cats being taken to pest-free islands says DOC
13 Jan, 2021 06:42 PM
6 minutes to read
Urupukapuka Island, near Russell, has been pest-free for more than 10 years, and is home to flourishing native bird populations. Photo / 123F
Urupukapuka Island, near Russell, has been pest-free for more than 10 years, and is home to flourishing native bird populations. Photo / 123F
RNZ
By Karoline Tuckey of RNZ
Pet owners are increasingly bringing pet cats and dogs to pest-free islands, where they can wreak destruction on fragile native animals, the Department of Conservation says.
In the Bay of Islands, ranger Helen Ough Dealy said dogs were often brought onto the protected islands, particularly during summer. But owners had also been caught walking their cats on leashes, and with cats on a paddle board.