Saturday, 13 May 2023 marks ‘World Migratory Bird Day’, a time to stop and think about how we protect our important native and migratory birds. 

Aotearoa New Zealand is the southernmost point of the East-Asian Australasian Flyway, a flight path for many migratory birds that runs up the east coast of Asia and connects us with northern Russia and Alaska, spanning over 22 countries. Over 50 million migratory waterbirds use this flyway each year, many endangered or threatened. This May, species like tītī/sooty shearwaters and toanui/flesh-footed shearwaters begin migration to their winter grounds.

Dogs are dangerous to migratory birds

It’s hard to imagine your delightful pup being anything other than a loveable furball. Yet, on the frontlines of New Zealand’s conservation efforts, the devastation of free-roaming pets is seen every day in the hundreds of native and migratory birds injured, maimed or worse.

These casualties make a case for more responsible pet parenting, as encouraged by the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) Lead the Way programme and its Auckland partner PD Insurance, as everyone with a dog or cat should be aware of the risk animals pose to bird life.

On the frontline is BirdCare Aotearoa, a charity dedicated to providing care and rehabilitation for sick, injured, and orphaned wild birds. Outgoing General Manager Dr. Lynn Miller revealed that many patients coming through the bird hospital are there because of dog attacks.

“It’s heartbreaking and, worse, dog bites tend to have more severe consequences – from injuring the birds to where they can’t be released back into the wild, to death often being the only outcome. We can only save around 2% of all patients coming in from dog attacks; most are so badly damaged that the only help we can provide is a humane end,” she said.

The damage caused by dogs is so severe that it moves Dr. Miller to tears, yet this is a reality the bird hospital faces every day.

Birds have feelings too

“Birds have similar pathways to people, so when a dog attacks them it is similar to you being set upon by a tiger. We see the most horrific things. Irreparable bite marks in migratory birds, penguins with flippers ripped off, ducks with dislocated pelvises, and much more,” she said.

“These animals are going through hell and, especially in coastal areas where there are dog restrictions, many of the patients we see shouldn’t be here at all.”

Most New Zealand beaches have some restrictions or requirements for responsible pet management, including ‘dogs on leashes’ or keeping dogs out of parts of the coastline favoured by birds for their natural habitat, including breeding grounds.

It is for these reasons that DOC, with the support of pet insurance specialist PD Insurance, launched its Lead the Way Auckland programme nine months ago. It encourages dog owners to become ‘Wildlife Wise’ to help protect vulnerable native animals.

Lead the Way to save wildlife lives

Dr. Miller says she is enormously supportive of the Lead the Way initiative helping dog owners become more aware of the sensitivities of bird- and other life encountered across New Zealand’s coastlines. It also helps raise awareness of how easily a well-meaning, playful and curious dog can unintentionally harm wildlife, and of the risks dogs face on the coast too.

PD Insurance Chief Operating Officer, Michelle le Long, says, “It doesn’t take much to become Wildlife Wise. Simply fill out a short quiz, purchase a coloured Lead the Way lead and follow a few basic precautions and measures. This will show your commitment to protecting native wildlife, your dog and others sharing the beach.”

The colour-coded Lead the Way leads indicate a dog’s temperament, so other pet owners and passers-by know what to expect from the pet – Green for friendly, Orange for sometimes not okay with other canines or people, and Red for keep your distance. A Yellow leash indicates a dog that’s disabled, in training or vulnerable in some other way.

Being Wildlife Wise requires a few basic steps:

1. Be aware: Check out the Lead the Way website and take the quiz so you understand what to do at the beach with your dog: https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/lead-the-way/.   
2. Know before you go: Jump online at www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/know-before-you-go/dog-access/ and www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/dogs-animals/where-walk-dog for the dog rules at your destination.
3. Show your commitment: Consider buying an exclusive Lead the Way lead after doing the quiz. Look out for other dogs with coloured leads and respect their temperaments.
4. Train the fundamentals: Managing your dog requires training. It doesn’t have to be intense; basic training teaches them to ‘LEAVE IT’ and ‘COME’. Recalling your dog is essential if hitting the beach. Need help? Contact Companion Animals New Zealand and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand for a list of trainers.
5. Lead the Way: Always carry a lead, even if you think your dog doesn’t need one. It’s a legal requirement and may be handy if managing your dog becomes difficult.
6. Watch out: For dangers, including other dogs, birds, sleeping seals and any signs of wildlife. Toxic objects include washed-up puffer fish, sea slugs and blue bottles.
7. Spread the word: Encourage others to Lead the Way and become Wildlife Wise. Also warn others when there’s wildlife around.

Be part of the solution, not the problem

DOC Science Adviser Dr. Laura Boren says databases recording interactions between dogs and wildlife show the scale of the problem.

She says, “In one year, there were 273 dog-related incidents and 240 took place where dogs weren’t supposed to be. Unfortunately, 30 were cases of harassment, attack or injury of wildlife and seven resulted in a fatality.”

Le Long says it doesn’t take much to be sure you are part of the solution rather than the problem: “Take time to Lead the Way; being Wildlife Wise doesn’t take much effort for any responsible pet parent. Do your bit so your pets are part of a harmonious New Zealand for all.”

Media contact 

Leandri Smith – The Mail Room 
027 365 9003 | [email protected]