Little blue penguins are dying from dog attacks and starvation along Waiheke Island's coastline.

Waiheke holiday home owner Anne Rowe was prompted to speak out about people flouting dog bylaws on Waiheke after her sister found a penguin corpse at Hekerua Bay earlier this summer.

Rowe's sister is a vet and said puncture wounds indicated a dog had killed the little blue penguin.

The sisters have noticed lots of dog owners ignoring signs at Hekerua Bay that tell people to keep dogs on leads because penguins nest there.

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"The penguins are facing so many other reasons for declining numbers, like loss of habitat and loss of fisheries.

Sarina Oetgen Karen Saunders says it's important to keep dogs on leads on beaches where penguins are moulting.

"They need someone to speak up for them, they need human champions, because they can't defend themselves.

"Wouldn't it be great if the Waiheke community decided to protect what's there," Rowe said.

Waiheke Native Bird Rescue founder Karen Saunders said 10 penguins suffering from starvation have been brought into the volunteer service in the past six weeks.

Sarina Oetgen Native Bird Rescue took this little blue penguin for an exercise session at Enclosure Bay.

Only five of the severely underweight birds have survived and three have been released back to Waiheke beaches.

Another penguin had been attacked by a dog and died soon after it was taken to Saunders in December.

At this time of year, penguins are particularly vulnerable to attack, especially by small dogs that can enter their burrows, she said.

ROSE DAVIS/STUFF A penguin swimming in a bird rescue cage at Enclosure Bay.

They are moulting for two to three weeks and are unable to enter the sea while their feathers are replaced.

Generally, people should keep dogs on leads in rocky areas at beaches at dusk and dawn, when penguins tend to come and go from the shore, Saunders said.

She is upset that Auckland Council signs advising that no dogs are allowed at the western end of Onetangi Beach have disappeared twice over the past few months.

A "no dogs" sign was erected late last year and has recently been replaced for the third time, said council general manager community facilities Rod Sheridan.

Another sign was removed from Sandy Bay.

This time, the Onetangi sign has more detailed information, informing people that little blue penguins live in the small bay.

"We're hoping that this will help people understand the importance of the restriction," Sheridan said.

Little blue penguins are classified as "at risk declining" and their burrows have been found just west of the rocky point at the end of Onetangi beach, said council manager social policy and bylaws Mike Sinclair.

Two Animal Management officers deal with dog complaints on Waiheke and are rostered to be on call at all times.

The service responded to 240 complaints last year, but spend most of their time on "pro-active patrols" of island beaches, said council Animal Management manager Nikki Marchant-Ludlow.

However, Sheridan said the officers can't be "everywhere at once", so residents are asked to do their bit by talking to dog owners about the rules.

"We all need to take some personal responsibility to protect our environment.

"If you feel comfortable informing people that there are endangered wildlife living in the area – then that is a powerful message," he said.

People can take photos of dogs in areas where they are banned and note the owner's name or car registration, so the Waiheke Service Centre can issue fines.

If people see dogs in areas where they are banned, they can phone Animal Management on 0800 462 685 or the council on (09) 301 0101.

Saunders said anyone who sees a penguin looking weak or ill should immediately bring it to the service, because starving seabirds can quickly die. Phone Native Bird Rescue on 020 473 9464.