Dogs and kiwi: keeping wildlife safe

Any dog can injure or kill a kiwi, including a much-loved family pet.

Dogs are natural predators, whatever their size, breed or usual temperament. Kiwi have a strong scent, move through dense cover and may run when startled. Their light chest structure means even a playful grab or crush can cause fatal injuries.

A dog does not have to be aggressive to harm a kiwi. Keeping wildlife safe is the owner’s responsibility.

• Do not allow dogs to roam, especially at night when kiwi are active.
• Use secure fencing that keeps your dog in without trapping kiwi inside the property.
• Check local dog-access rules before visiting tracks, reserves or beaches.
• Use a lead wherever kiwi may be present, and keep dogs away from dense vegetation, drains and likely shelter sites.
• If a kiwi is nearby, move your dog away calmly. Do not chase or try to catch the bird.

Breed history can offer useful clues. Some dogs are strongly motivated to chase, dig, grab, retrieve or follow scent. Watch how your dog responds to movement and smells, and remember that behaviour can change when several dogs are together.

Stay focused on the dog rather than assuming a noise in long grass is a possum or rabbit. Sending a dog into pampas, scrub or rank grass can put a hidden kiwi at risk.

Kiwi avoidance training can teach a dog to avoid kiwi scent, but it does not make any dog completely safe. Training needs refreshing and must sit alongside secure containment, leads and attentive ownership.

If you find an injured or distressed kiwi, keep people and dogs back and contact DOC or the local kiwi team. Contact us for practical local guidance.

Further reading: Keeping wildlife safe around dogs and DOC kiwi avoidance training guidance.