Tauranga has seen a rise in the number of dogs roaming the streets.
With more dogs roaming the streets, dog attacks on people and other dogs have increased.
“Attacks often occur when a dog is free to leave its property or is not under secure control when being walked in public,” says Tauranga City Council team leader of animal services Brent Lincoln.
Over the last six months, there have been a variety of incidents where there have been barking complaints, domestic animal attacks, people attacked, people rushed at and dogs roaming.
Brent asks that people ensure their dog is not free to leave their property and that their dog is under control at all times.
“If a member of the public is attacked by a dog or their dog is attacked, we urge them to get in touch with Council as soon as possible.
“Our call centre is available 24/7, including public holidays.”
“If approached by an aggressive dog, stop and then slowly back away from the dog, holding anything you have between you and the dog and ensure you keep turning to face the dog if it tries to get behind you.”
Brent warns not try and kick or hit the dog, just quietly back away.
“On most occasions, you will remove yourself from the area the dog is protecting or defending, and the dog will leave you alone.”
Once safe, call Council on 07 577 7000.
“Each time someone makes a complaint or reports an attack or rushed at, we are able to build a bigger picture of the behaviour of the dog and owner.”
This can help to prevent these incidents from reoccurring in the future.
“Whenever we receive a complaint, it is investigated and depending on the seriousness of the attack, the history of the dog and dog owner, the level of evidence and the ability to identify the actual dog involved, Council will either:
- Issue a warning,
- Classify the dog as menacing,
- Classify the dog as dangerous,
- Prosecute, or,
- A fine may also be issued and/or the dog impounded in conjunction with the above actions.
“The prosecution process is started for serious attacks or where the dog has a previous history of aggression and the latest incident warrants a prosecution.”
If anyone or their animal is attacked by another dog, they are encouraged to call Council on 07 577 7000.
“We are available 24/7, including public holidays.
“Reporting an attack today could prevent a more serious one in the future.”
3 comments
East fix
Posted on 12-01-2024 08:13 | By Naysay
Dogs must be on a leash. Main beach , Tay st and Papamoa beach. Too many dogs with bad manners and irresponsible owners that have no idea . Main beach is full of dogs off leash every morning . On the coastal path also off leash every morning . Tighten this up TCC that's why we have policy and enforce it.
Absolute Dribble
Posted on 12-01-2024 08:27 | By Yadick
. . . we urge them to get in touch with Council as soon as possible.
I can categorically say that TCC do absolutely nothing.
How Brent can have the gall to even speak to this is amazing. TCC's animal section is appalling, mis-managed and uncaring. They say they have processes they have to follow. I suppose that's what the manual says the robots must do. There's also a thing called reality that doesn't seem to feature in their manual.
I would dare them to come and put one of their loved ones, one of their kids, even themselves in front of a couple of dogs in our street but when the owners aren't around.
. . . It's only a matter of time and for some innocent person the attack is going to be vicious, brutal, prolonged and life-changing . . .
No answerability
Posted on 13-01-2024 12:12 | By morepork
Yadick has made it very clear that TCC will not respond. It is obvious that this is a serious issue and becoming more so as time passes. And yet, we see no action. There is nothing we can do. The authorities recognize their own immunity and fob complaints off with cliched officialese, smug behind their own invulnerability. The root cause is the imposed Commission which has set the style for all its minions. I love animals but I wouldn't hesitate to use lethal force against an uncontrolled dog that attacked me. It shouldn't come to that. Dog owners must take responsibility for their dogs and the Council must ensure we don't have dangerous animals roaming free.
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