There are four little blue penguins in the care of the wildlife centre in Oropi after they were attacked by uncontrolled dogs on Western Bay of Plenty beaches.

Centre operator Chrissy Jefferson says dogs off their leads are always a menace for penguins, but the problem is greater this year owing to the Rena disaster.

A blind little blue penguin in care after a dog bit its head, causing it to lose its eyesight.

'We usually get about 10 penguins in care from dog attacks over the season, however, this year there are more as more penguins are coming ashore due to what is in the water.”

The most recent known attack happened at Waihi Beach on Tuesday last week when a dog went into a penguin burrow and pulled a young little blue penguin out with its teeth.

'All of its lower abdomen and its back legs are cut to shreds,” says Chrissy.

'The dog had ripped the claws off the flippers, and there are distinct bite marks on the stomach.”

Chrissy says juvenile penguins are at risk during summer when they come ashore to rest.

'A lot of the penguins are coming ashore, very, very weak and under-nourished.

'They are making it to the beach, they are worn out and don't have the strength to carry on any further until they have a rest.”

They seek refuge in burrows and Chrissy says it is unusual for a dog to go all the way into one of these to pull a penguin out.

The attacks usually occur on the beach surface and sometimes the injuries are severe.

'I have blind penguins where dogs have grabbed them by the head and they have lost their eyes.”

Wildlife carer Chrissy Jefferson with two six-month-old little blue penguins injured in dog attacks on Bay of Plenty beaches.

Chrissy owns seven dogs and she says owners must take up the responsibility of keeping their pets under control at the beach at all times.

'I am an absolute dog lover, but even with my dogs I would not have them running loose.

'I have no problem with running dogs on the beach if there are responsible owners and the dogs are under control – if the dog is 2km down the beach there is no control.”

Chrissy says penguins already have to deal with the hazards inflicted by the Rena and people should be more respectful of wildlife.

Tauranga City Council animal services manager Brent Lincoln is aware of the risk dogs pose to penguins and is taking steps to protect the wildlife.

'Any situation where a dog is harassing wildlife is a concern for us.”

Brent says no formal complaints have been made in regards to dogs attacking penguins, but he will be investigating to find out which areas of the beach are most vulnerable.

He will then increase the number of patrols in those areas.

'If we receive a complaint about any dogs misbehaving we will investigate.”

Under Tauranga City Council bylaws people are not required to have their dog on a lead while at the beach.

'The dog can be off the lead as long as it is under voice control and the dog is not causing any risk to wildlife or beachgoers.”

Dogs are prohibited from Pilot Bay, Mauao and Mount Maunganui Main Beach up to Leisure Island.

Brent recommends people do keep their dogs on a lead while at the beach, and keep an eye out for any dangerous behaviour and report it to the council.

Chrissy says the penguin pulled from the burrow by a dog last week looks set to make a full recovery and is on antibiotics and recovering at the centre.

There are 10 penguins in the centre's care with four there from dog attack and the other six for other reasons.

It has a capacity to care for 48 penguins.