Auckland Council has a strong message for Aucklanders as the latest Animal Management Annual Report figures are revealed: if you can’t commit to caring for a dog properly, please do not get one.
The appeal comes as new data shows Animal Management staff responded to a staggering 37,558 requests for service in FY23/24 – the highest number to date and a 13 per cent increase on the previous year.
The report also shows rises in dog-related incidents across the board, including a 19 per cent increase in roaming complaints, a 14 per cent increase in dog attacks on people and a 19 per cent increase in attacks on other animals. Worryingly, welfare-related complaints saw an 80 per cent increase on the previous year.
Animal Management Manager, Elly Waitoa, says its clear many people are struggling to look after their dogs properly.
“What we have seen over the past year is that fewer Aucklanders are getting their dogs desexed or registered, they’re not socialising them properly and not keeping them contained to their properties. As a result, we’re seeing higher numbers of aggressive dogs out roaming the streets and putting the public, other animals and themselves at risk.
“Our plea to Aucklanders is that if you are thinking of getting a dog, please carefully consider whether you are ready for this responsibility. A dog can be a wonderful companion, but love alone is not enough to keep a dog happy, healthy and out of trouble.”
WATCH VIDEO: Elly Waitoa comments on Animal Management Annual Report data
More dogs impounded, fewer collected
There were 8306 dogs impounded across the council’s three animal shelters in FY23/24 – an increase of 26 per cent on the previous year, when shelters were already operating near capacity.
In the same period, the rate of impounded dogs claimed by their owners within the seven-day holding period hit a 10-year low at just 43 per cent.
“Shelter staff work hard to find homes for unclaimed dogs that pass temperament tests, but a high number of dogs coming through our shelters have behaviour issues that mean they are not safe for rehoming,” says Elly.
“This, combined with the sheer number of dogs going unclaimed has sadly meant more dogs have been euthanised than in previous years.”
Proactive response
Despite the challenges, Animal Management continue to do all they can to keep Aucklanders safe from dog-related harm.
As well as responding to hundreds of complaints every day, the unit created a new proactive team last year which carries out daily patrols around schools and other high-risk areas. The proactive team also has a strong focus on education, regularly giving presentations around dog safety and responsible dog ownership at schools, libraries and community events.
To help promote the adoption of unclaimed dogs and ease capacity pressure on the three current shelters, work to open an additional shelter in early 2025 is underway.
Elly says that while Animal Management is working hard to stay on top of rising dog-related issues, they need all Aucklanders to start being part of the solution.
“It’s not just dog owners, but non-dog owners as well. If you see that your neighbour or whānau member is letting their dog out to roam, or they’re not supervising it around young children, call them out on it. If you witness a dog attacking a person or other animal, report it to the council before it happens again. It’s only when we all come together that we’re going to be able to turn this trend around.”
Councillor thanks staff
Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, Josephine Bartley, says Animal Management staff deserve praise from Aucklanders for their dedication to an incredibly tough job.
“The role of keeping Aucklanders safe from harm is getting harder every year for our Animal Management officers and shelter staff. Not only are they under huge pressure to respond to complaints and find room in our shelters, but they are often abused by the public for carrying out their work.
“Despite the challenges, they remain committed to their job and are always looking at new ways they can help to address Auckland’s dog problems. I would like to commend and thank all Animal Management staff members for their efforts.”
More information:
Read the full report: Animal Management Annual Report 2023 - 2024 FINAL.pdf
Watch our short video: Video with further comments from Elly Waitoa
