Dog attack reports tail off

Fewer people are reporting dog attacks in Northland.

Fewer people are reporting injuries after run-ins with dogs in Northland, ACC statistics reveal.

There were 969 claims in Northland for dog-related injuries in 2014 - a decrease from 1021 claims in 2013. "Dog-related injuries" cover all claims for accidental injuries whenever a dog was involved.

Whangarei vet Didier Poot said reports of attacks often cast an unnecessary spotlight on all dogs.

"Dog attacks are an issue anywhere is the world but unfortunately they seem to get a lot more media attention here. I don't think dog attacks are a huge issue. It gets blown a little bit out of proportion," he said.

When dogs did attack, it was mostly because owners had picked the "wrong breed", said Mr Poot.

"The problem is not so much the dogs, it's the owners. Some dogs are not getting the due care and attention they should have or some people choose the wrong breed. By wrong breed, I mean if you have a family with small children you would potentially not go for a German shepherd. You need to select the breed that suits your lifestyle and needs," he said.

"Don't get a great big dog and not exercise it."

Mr Poot said humans had just as much potential to attack other humans as dogs did.

"Any dog has the potential to attack but then so do people. There are some very nasty people out there who attack others all the time. Dogs get a bad press that they don't deserve. You have to remember that there are tens of thousands of dogs in New Zealand and how often is there a dog attack?

"The problem is that, when there is one, it is a tragic event - particularly when there are children involved."

Nationally, there were 14,901 claims made for dog related injuries across New Zealand in 2014, a drop of 94 from 2013.

ACC spokeswoman Stephanie Melville said most claims were for minor injuries.

"The three most common injuries are laceration, soft tissue injury and dental injury, for example, when Fido jumps up excitedly and hits your chin or mouth," she said.