Every year, hundreds of people need medical care for dog attacks in Auckland, leading Auckland Council to unleash a new animal management team to deal with roaming dogs.
According to Auckland Council, South Auckland has the highest number of roaming dogs in the region, with more than 5000 picked up in the area in the year to the end of August.
The new Proactive Animal Management team is taking immediate action to deliver vital safety education in schools and encourage owners to be more responsible.
Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia strongly supports this initiative, emphasising the importance of pet owners taking responsibility for the safety of their animals and the wellbeing of community.
“We urge dog owners to take responsibility for their pets. Get them registered and chipped. Desex them. Keep them secure in your property. Otherwise, it's our tamariki who are being attacked by roaming dogs,” says Apulu.
In mid-October, Animal Management received reports three dogs were fighting on Nola Crescent, Ōtara. During the altercation, a 10-year-old Yendarra Primary school student was bitten on the leg by one of the dogs while walking nearby. The child was taken back to the school and treated in the school's sick bay.
A separate witness reported another child was also chased by another dog but managed to escape unharmed.
Within about 30 minutes of receiving the report, Animal Management officers arrived on-site, impounded the three dogs, and subsequently euthanised them. The owner has been fined for failing to register, control, and desex dogs classified as menacing.
The team patrols the streets aiming to catch dogs before they end up in places they shouldn't.
Aaron Neary, Team Leader Proactive Animal Management said the proactive team aims to get ahead of the roaming dog problem before people get chased or injured.
"In this instance, we’ve reached out to the school to collaborate on delivering educational safety sessions, aimed at raising awareness and ensuring the safety of their students. The school is on the Animal Management team’s patrol route and is patrolled most mornings and at least one afternoon a week.
“We primarily patrol high-risk areas like Ōtara, Manurewa, and Papakura, where roaming and aggressive dogs are a significant issue, and where kids are being followed to school. In addition, we're engaging with the community by speaking to schools, parents, and attending local events, setting up stands and stalls to foster direct connections,” says Neary.
Manukau ward councillor Lotu Fuli says, "Roaming dogs has been a huge issue in South Auckland for years, and it has only worsened since COVID. I was sad to hear of the recent incidents involving young kids in Ōtara but glad to hear of the swift response by our Proactive Animal Management task force and our community. It shows that the resources we are directing to this area are worthwhile. However, this is ultimately going to require our whole community to get involved, to look after our dogs better, to keep our tamariki and neighbours safe.”
Here’s further assistance with responsible dog ownership and preventing dog bites.
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