News Release

23 November 2016

Rotorua Lakes Council welcomes dog control proposals

Rotorua Lakes Council has welcomed a suite of dog control proposals which were announced as part of the national action plan to reduce the risk of dog attacks.

The Associate Minister of Local Government, Louise Upston, was at the Rotorua Lakes Council to announce additional changes in the second tranche of the action plan.

These proposals will ensure the owners of high-risk dogs are fit for the job, while introducing stricter penalties for owners of dogs that attack and to improve dog attack data.

Rotorua Lakes Council’s Compliance Solutions Manager, Neven Hill, says there are two common breeds that we identify as menacing dogs.

“In Rotorua alone, there are 443 registered dogs that are classified as menacing dogs. Dogo Argentino make up a small number of these dogs, while the American Pit Bull terrier type makes up 404 of the district’s menacing dogs.”

Data recorded by the council shows that these dogs have been responsible for 18 attacks on people and animals for this year alone.

“The de-sexing programme will drastically reduce the gene pool of menacing dogs in our district and will make our community a safer place for Rotorua citizens.”

Rotorua Lakes Council’s Animal Control Supervisor, Kevin Coutts, says the council has been proactive in trying to reduce dog attacks and helping support dog owners with menacing dogs.

“We don’t want to see children, adults or other animals left traumatised by a dog attack. In 2012, we proactively focussed on de-sexing menacing dogs. In recognition of our efforts, the council will be trialling a government de-sexing pilot programme, which heavily reduces the cost to owners for de-sexing their pets, which are classified as menacing dogs,” he says.

Neven Hill says the council’s ultimate goal is to de-sex the remaining 110 menacing dogs in the district before June next year.

“We believe the new round of dog control proposals such as introducing licensing for owners of high risk dogs will help us to advance to our ultimate goal.”

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