Kauai woman cited for her dog’s fatal attack on a nene

A 47-year-old woman whose dog fatally mauled a nene gosling in Princeville on Kauai has been cited in connection with the attack.

A conservation enforcement officer from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement cited Paulina Barsotti of Princeville Tuesday for prohibited activities relating to the take of an endangered species, according to a DLNR spokesman.

The conservation enforcement officer also cited her for strays prohibited under the Kauai County law. Dogs found running loose or used for hunting or training with no owner obviously present to control them are considered strays and in violation of the Kauai County Code, according to the Hawaiian Humane Society.

Barsotti is expected to appear in court. A date has yet to be set.

The attack occurred Monday morning while Barsotti was walking her dog without a leash on the path next to the Princeville Makai Golf Course along Ka Haku Road. The canine ran off and attacked the nene gosling.

Kim Tamaoka, spokesman of the Kauai Police Department, said Alex Wraight, 37, of Hanamaulu was working nearby when he saw the attack and ran over to the area.

Tamaoka said he allegedly “began to kick the dog” in attempt to stop the attack.

During the attempt, he allegedly kicked the dog owner, causing abrasions to her leg. She called police and officers arrested the man on suspicion of third-degree assault, a misdemeanor.

Wraight was released Monday after posting $200 bail and is set to appear at Lihue District Court in March.

Doug Sutter, general manager of the Princeville Makai Golf Course, said he heard the attack occurred at or near a lake at the golf course in proximity of the 17th and 18th holes. A nene population resides on the golf course and frequents the lake to bathe and enjoy the water.

“We do everything we can to protect the birds,” he said adding they educate staff and golfers to be mindful of the endangered species on the grounds.

The nene, also known as the Hawaiian goose, is an endangered species protected by federal and state laws.

Violators face a $10,000 fine for the take or killing of an endangered species.