WILDLIFE is under constant pressure from domestic cats and dogs not kept under control by irresponsible owners.

WILDLIFE is under constant pressure from domestic cats and dogs not kept under control by irresponsible owners. Warren Lynam

THE cruel death of a kangaroo chased into the Maroochy River mouth by a dog on Tuesday morning has re-enforced the need for pet owners to retain control of their animals on off-leash beaches.

The dog attacked the kangaroo on the beach before chasing it into the water and mauling it again, leaving it gasping for air with just its snout, frothing white bubbles bobbing above and then below the water.

Attempts to get it to shore on a SUP ultimately failed with a north-westerly breeze and an outgoing tide adding to difficulties rescuing it.

The animal attempted to hold onto the SUP paddle before eventually giving up, dropping below the water and was carried away with the tide.

It appeared to have been either in shock or badly hurt, seemingly unwilling or unable to propel itself to safety after the dog had been driven off.

Allee Williams from Sunshine Coast Wildlife Rescue said just the shock of being chased by a dog can bring on a level of stress in kangaroos that ultimately results in heart attack.

"In 90% of cases where they have been chased or attacked by a dog they will die,” she said.

"People need to be more aware of the impact their pets can have.”

Allee said cats roaming at night and dogs were responsible for a huge amount of wildlife deaths including birds, sugar gliders, possums and roos.

A Sunshine Coast Council spokesman said dog owners should ensure they are able to physically and verbally manage all dogs in their care when in a public place, including beaches.

"In an off-leash area, dog owners must have their pet under effective control,” he said.

"This means they are under the direct supervision of a person and not harassing, intimidating, attacking, stalking, mounting or body slamming another animal or person.”

Untrained dogs should be kept on leads until they were allowed to play off leash in off-leash areas.

In all locations owners were also expected to always carry and use a bag to pick up their dog's waste.

Sunshine Coast Wildlife Rescue is a volunteer organisation that operates 24 hours a day with carers tending to animals in their own homes during rehabilitation and is totally reliant on donations from the public.

Allee said she currently had 13 possums and two kangaroos at her place.

People coming across injured animals should call 0448 148 013 or 0411 635 136.