Animal Management

Dog Attack

Public safety is our primary concern. To report a dog attack / dog bite please call us on 0800 734 834 - our customer service centre is available 24/7. Please notify us as soon as practical after the attack/act of aggression occurs.

Our local medical providers deal with many more victims of dog bite injuries than the number of complaints received by Council. This indicates that many attacks are not reported to Council.

We can't act if we don't know.

Why report the attack?

Dog attacks are unacceptable. If you or your pet is attacked by a dog it is important to report the incident as soon as possible. This is so that we can locate the dog and ensure it is secured to prevent further attacks.

By reporting complaints as soon as practical after the attack/act of aggression occurs, it can also prevent confusion when recalling detailed information such as times, dates and people's recollections. Photographs, videos, or detailed descriptions can help with identification.

By reporting all dog attacks to the Hauraki District Council's Animal Control Team, information is gathered to build a record of the dog's behaviour to support any action taken against the dog or the owner in the future. It also helps the Council monitor dog control issues in the Hauraki district and assists in protecting the community.

If you or your pet is attacked by a dog

Treat the injury first

• If required, make sure you or your pet receives medical treatment before you contact Animal Control.
• If skin has been broken or if the wound seems reasonably serious, seek medical attention immediately. At the very least you may need a tetanus injection and/or antibiotics to prevent infection.

What happens next?

• After you have contacted the Animal Control Team at the Council, one of our staff will contact you within two hours. This may vary if you are receiving medical attention or your feel too upset to talk.
• If needed, we will try to locate and secure the offending dog.
• Depending on the circumstances of the attack, we may seize the dog and hold it in our pound until all investigations have been completed and a decision has been made.
• You will be given the opportunity to provide a written statement.
• It would be considered appropriate for the owner of the offending dog to pay for any costs that you incur as a result of the attack (e.g. vet bills, damages to clothes). If the dog owner fails to pay compensation it may be necessary for you to make a claim through the civil court process.
• Our investigation into the attack will be carried out in accordance with the Dog Control Act 1966.
• You will be informed of our decision before we take any action.
• Courses of action may be to classify the dog as menacing by deed or as dangerous. We can also infringe or prosecute the owner depending on what section of the Dog Control Act they have breached.
• If the decision is that the dog should be euthanised, the owner of the dog will need to give their permission or make the request. If permission is not given, then it will be over to a judge to decide. Please note, we do not have the authority to euthanise a dog without the permission of the owner or an order from a judge following prosecution. If a prosecution is commenced following a serious dog attack the hearing is held before a Judge in the District Court, this may take several months to reach a resolution.

My dog has attacked a person/animal

What happens now?

• We have the authority to take action under the Dog Control Act 1996.
• Depending on the circumstances of the attack, we may seize and impound your dog and hold it in our pound until all investigations have been completed and a decision has been made.
• You will be given the opportunity to provide a written statement.
• You will be kept informed of what is happening with the investigation.
• Your dog cannot be euthanised without your permission, or an order from a judge.
• You may be liable for any costs incurred by the victim as a result of the dog attack, (e.g. vet bills, damage to clothes). If you do not or can't pay, the victim may recover costs through the Civil Court.
• You may be required to satisfy the Animal Control Team that you can keep your dog secure before it is released from the pound. This is to ensure that further attacks do not occur.
• Your dog must be registered and microchipped with the Hauraki District Council before it is released from the pound following an attack. There will also be impound and sustenance fees payable.
• Rest assured your dog will be well cared for during its time at the pound.

Roaming Dogs

If you see a dog roaming dog, contact our Customer Services Team who will pass on the details to Animal Control. Make sure you give as many details as possible – such as if the dog was aggressive, if it had a collar and tag, and which direction was it heading when you last saw it. All these details help Animal Control locate the dog a lot faster.

If possible and you feel safe in doing so, take a photo of the roaming dog, and either email to info@hauraki-dc.govt.nz or bring into one of our offices and they will be passed on to our Animal Control Team.

Barking Dogs

Barking complaints can take some time to resolve and can be frustrating if you find yourself being affected by persistent barking or howling. In the first instance, we recommend you speak to the dog owner. More often than not, dog owners appreciate being made aware that their dog is causing a nuisance and they may not be aware if it is happening when they are not at home.

If persistent barking or howling continues, please let us know and we will work with the owner to remedy the barking. When making a barking complaint, we will need to know:

• Can you identify the barking dog(s) or where it/they live?
• What time of the day is the barking happening?
• How often is the barking happening and for how long?
• Could there be a reason why the dog is barking? New property owner/change to owner’s routine etc?

Wandering Stock

Stock can be dangerous if left to wander on roads. If you come across wandering stock, please contact us on 07 862 8609 24/7 and an Animal Control Officer will be dispatched to follow this up. When making a wandering stock complaint, we will need to know:

• The exact location of the stock
• Approximately how many stock
• Have you been able to locate an owner