9 January 2020

Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)

Topic: Dog attacks

Enquiry

I am working on a story about the number of dog attacks on people and also on other animals in Tauranga and Rotorua last year, and also how many prosecutions cases came from those attacks plus how that compared to the previous years.

Can you provide a breakdown of these attack figures for the 2019 calendar year, plus the same figures for the 2018/2019 financial year, and the four previous financial years?

Plus I am seeking comments about whether the situation in terms of dog attacks and people controlling their pets has improved or got worse and the message the council wants to send to the community.

Can you also tell me how many dogs are currently registered in the Rotorua Lakes district.

Response

The following information and comments were provided:

Attacks by calendar year for the past 3 years

2019: 28 attacks by dogs on people; 18 attacks by dogs on animals

2018: 28 attacks by dogs on people; 28 attacks by dogs on animals

2017: 30 attacks by dogs on people; 33 attacks by dogs on animals

*NOTE re attacks on 'animals' - that can be other dogs but also the likes of chickens, rabbits, sheep and cats but it tends to be mainly other dogs

There are currently 11,662 registered dogs in Rotorua.

From Rotorua Lakes Council Animal Control Supervisor Dylan Wright:

"Any attack is cause for concern and highlights the responsibilities involved in owning a dog and the harm that can be caused by failing in that responsibility. All dogs are capable of attacking in certain circumstances.

"It's important than when attacks occur people contact us as soon as possible. We take all attacks seriously but it's crucial we are able to positively identify the dog or dogs responsible so the appropriate action can be taken.

"Not many cases end up in court because, mostly, owners whose dogs have attacked understand the seriousness of the situation and are cooperative."

Dog owner responsibilities

• Keep your dog well secured at all times when unsupervised
• Keep the dog on a lead when in a public place, unless in a designated dog exercise area where dogs are permitted to be off lead
• Get a dog that suits your home. Have you got plenty of room for it to move around?
• Make sure your dog has adequate daily exercise
• A fully fenced property is preferred
• Make sure you consider the cost of a dog before you get one. Dogs can cost at least $500 a year in food and supplies. Annual registration and vet fees are on top of that.
• Give the dog the attention it needs so it doesn't get bored. Do you have the time?
• When considering getting a dog be prepared to commit for up to about 15 years
• Stick to the rules - they are there for a reason and if followed, reduce the chances of any issues.

1 dog owner prosecuted in 2018 (calendar year) - charges were withdrawn

3 people prosecuted in 2019 (calendar year) - 2 found guilty and charges dismissed in third case

There are currently no cases pending

NOTE: reporter subsequently sought and was provided clarification regarding apparent discrepency between figures provided above and those provided for a previous enquiry relating to dog attacks in Rotorua. It was explained that previous figures were for reported attacks, figures above were actual attacks. We further explained that some reported attacks turn out to be eg a dog running or rushing at, rather than actually attacking, a person or animal.