The public must play a role in ending in the city’s dog problem, Franklin ward Councillor Andy Baker says.
A dog-lover himself, he says news Auckland Council Animal Management staff responded to 37,558 calls in the last financial year indicates something is wrong.
“There’s no magic here. People own dogs, people are the problem, not dogs.
“We all need to do something to turn that around, and that’s going to mean people are going to have to speak up, which will probably make the problem worse before it gets better.
“It’s not just owners. How often do we see a dog roaming the neighbour but do nothing? We’re probably all guilty of thinking it might get hit, or worse, attack someone. But we still do nothing.
“I’d urge anyone who sees a roaming dog, or knows one that’s constantly tied up, or that isn’t being exercised, to report it. See something, say something!”
Baker says he’s dealt with several calls since becoming the area’s councillor. “Sadly, they’ve ranged right up to dogs killing other animals and leaving people scared in their own streets.”
He says Animal Management is a difficult role, because owners have attachments to their dogs and can respond negatively, including with aggression, to criticism and the presence of staff.
“There’s a belief that ‘it wasn’t my dog’ or even when people know full well that it was, that nothing can be proved. It remains a problem that won’t stop until we all get involved.”
Baker says while the message might not be one everyone welcomes, those who can’t commit to the responsibilities of owning a dog, should not have one.
Animal Management figures show calls jumped 13 per cent on the previous year, roaming up 19 per cent, attacks on people 14 per cent, and on other animals 19 percent.
But it is a staggering 80 per cent increase in welfare-related complaints that Baker says proves people are struggling. “Fewer of us are getting our dogs desexed or even registering them. They are not being socialised let alone being kept on their properties. The result is those increases.”
He says anyone considering getting a dog needs to consider whether they are ready for the responsibility.
“Dogs can be wonderful companions, but that only comes with them being well cared for, including training.”
Animal Management’s figures show 8306 impounded dogs across council’s three shelters in FY23/24 – an increase of 26 per cent despite shelters already being near capacity. Only 43 per cent were reclaimed, a 10-year low.
“We try to rehome dogs, but many have issues that make them unsafe,” Baker says. “That and the sheer numbers unclaimed mean more are being euthanised, something that’s tough for everyone, including our staff.”
Animal Management created a new team last year that carries out daily patrols around schools and other high-risk areas. It has a strong focus on education, regularly giving presentations around dog safety and responsible ownership.
Baker says work is under way on a fourth shelter, which is a cost to all ratepayers, but while Animal Management is working to stay on top of dog-related issues, all Aucklanders need to step up, something echoed by Regulatory and Safety Committee chair Cr Josephine Bartley.
“Keeping people safe from harm is getting harder for our officers. They are under huge pressure to respond to complaints and find room in our shelters, but they are often abused by the public.
“Despite the challenges, they remain committed and are always looking at ways they can help to address our dog problems. I commend those staff for their efforts.”
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