The killing of a kiwi by a dog shows the need for tougher dog control bylaws, a Bay of Islands environmental group says.

The kiwi was found dead on Russell’s Long Beach last month, and an autopsy found its injuries were consistent with a dog attack.

Chair of the Russell Landcare Trust David McKenzie said the small town was one of the few places where people could still see kiwi in their backyards.

He said groups like the trust put in countless hours to preserve the birds.

But the Far North District Council’s current dog bylaw review avoided any mention of its duty to protect kiwi and other wildlife, he said.

Mr McKenzie said he was disappointed the council had softened its stance after heavy lobbying by dog owners.

The council should address its legal obligations to wildlife, he said, and also beef up its monitoring and enforcement of existing dog control laws.