There have been 17 dog attacks on people since July last year and 52 cases where dogs ''rushed at people'', new figures reveal.
According to Masterton District Council there were also 223 reports of roaming dogs in the same nine-month period. Three owners had been forced to surrender their dogs for destruction.
There were 25 additional attacks involving domestic animals, including four attacks on poultry, seven involving stock and one involving protected wildlife, as well as 66 complaints about barking.
From July 1 to February 28 a total of 490 incidents were recorded, compared with 703 events tallied for the same period last year.
Meanwhile, the council is proposing another round of rises to dog registration fees and dog control charges for the coming year.
Fees for the 1636 neutered dogs within urban Masterton are proposed to rise from $69 to $71, and from $106 to $112 for the 743 dogs not neutered in the area. Fees for rural dogs would rise from $69 to $71, and from $16 to $16.50 each for any further dogs.
Those who own dogs classified as dangerous face paying a fee 150 per cent higher than would apply to a dog classed otherwise. Owners who have not paid their fees by August 1, the second month of registration, would be stung by a 50 per cent penalty.
The poundage fee for collected dogs would increase from $63 to $65 for the first impounding, from $100 to $105 for the second, and from $121 to $125 for any further impoundings.
Over the current financial year 180 dogs have been impounded _ a figure described as ''steady'' by council environmental services manager David John.
He added new animal shelter requirements soon to be set by the Government would mean a review of the council's Ngaumutawa Rd pound was needed within the next year.
''Currently, the code provides 'recommended guidelines'. However, the new code will require that their standards are met. Currently our kennels are not large enough and the pound office is not adequate with regard to health and safety guidelines.''
17 dog attacks on people
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.