HONOLULU (KHON2) — Three people were issued a civil resource violation for having unleashed dogs on a beach in a state park over the weekend, with one woman’s unleashed dog running straight at a Hawaiian monk seal, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said.
The dog ran at the monk seal on Oʻahu’s North Shore and caused the male seal to retreat into the water.
According to DLNR, dogs are prohibited within most state parks regardless of whether or not they are leashed, as well as in Natural Area Reserves. Service dogs are the exception.
State and federal laws protect the Hawaiian monk seals, with violations of their safety resulting in warnings, citations or more severe penalties depending on the case.
This comes at a time where the endangered species is in its pupping season, with 11 babies being born on the island so far this year. The seals do birth year-round, but March through August is the peak season according to DLNR.
Officials want to ensure the survival of pups and other seals, and curious or aggressive dogs, even with the best intentions, can injure or kill young seals. Adult Hawaiian monk seals are powerful animals and could severely injure dogs as well.
Dog walkers are urged to keep their pets leashed and avoid area where monk seals rest or nurse, such as beaches. The City and County of Honolulu has a list of dog parks on the island available online.
