Dog owners and their dogs are invited for breakfast on Sunday morning to find out how dogs and penguins can share the beach safely.
The Trust will be offering snacks for dogs and their owners between 8.30am and 10.30am on Sunday 16th June on Beach Street, Hokitika, at the rear of the SPCA Op Shop.
The idea came from Australia where dogs and owners close to a shore bird nesting colony were invited along to learn about the birds and how to protect them. In Hokitika, as in many places on the West Coast, dogs are often allowed to roam freely or simply escape from their sections. Penguins have evolved without the threat of dogs and they don’t stand a chance if they are caught by a dog between the sea and their burrow or if they are dug out by an enthusiastic dog.
There are reports of penguins being killed by dogs every year on the coast, most recently in Greymouth where at least three penguins were killed by a dog or dogs last month.
The Trust hopes that this initiative will show dog owners that dogs can share the beach with penguins, provided they are under control when at the beach and, most importantly, when at home, kept contained on their section and not allowed to roam.
Hokitika Vets have kindly provided dog snacks and Insinc Products have provided biodegradable hot drink cups for teas and coffees. SPCA Hokitika is also supporting the event, providing power and hot water and the weekly community dog walk they organise will join the event.
If you are a dog owner and will be in the Hokitika area on Sunday morning, we look forward to meeting you and your dog for breakfast!
Insinc Products – Specialist suppliers of sustainable and eco-friendly cleaning and hygiene products to NZ businesses.
