Dogs soak up staff time

21 August 2014

Waipa District Council is urging residents to at least talk to their neighbours before asking council staff to step in and resolve issues with barking dogs.

At June 2014, there were 7,229 registered dogs in Waipa - 99 more than the year before. Council received 2,175 dog-related complaints over 12 months including more than 500 complaints about dogs barking.

Environmental services team leader Karl Tutty said barking dogs took up way too much staff time.

I'd rather neighbours spoke to each other initially, instead of jumping straight on the phone to council wanting us to sort it out. Most of time, owners of barking dogs aren't even aware there's a problem until we contact them.

Reports of aggressive dogs in Waipa increased from 43 to 63 last year but there were fewer dog attacks reported, down to 75 from 78 the year before.

Complaints about wandering dogs also decreased. But there were 22 complaints - up from 10 - about dogs worrying other animals and more than 400 calls to council about lost and found dogs. Council staff also received 26 complaints about dogs not being well cared for. Many of these were referred to the SPCA.

Waipa had 11 dogs classified as dangerous' under the Dog Control Act during the year although that number has since dropped. Dangerous dogs are those that exhibit aggressive behaviour. By law dangerous dogs must be neutered, kept in a fenced enclosure and on a leash and muzzled when in public. If not, council staff may take the dog.

The number of registered dogs in the district classified as menacing' had risen from 41 to 64. Waipa District Council has a policy that all menacing dogs must also be neutered. Menacing dogs are classified by law due to their breed or type, not necessarily their behaviour.

There were 409 dogs impounded last year in council pounds in Kihikihi or Cambridge. Of those dogs, 328 were claimed, 37 were put down and 25 were re-homed. Some dogs remained in temporary foster care, often cared for by council staff.

Waipa District Council provides a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week animal control service and employs four animal control officers. Animal control staff, in their own time, are also involved in puppy and dog obedience classes.

ENDS

Media enquiries: Jeanette Tyrrell 027 5077 599