The search for three missing climbers on Aoraki/Mt Cook remains on hold and Sevu Reece has been discharged without conviction following an incident at a Cup Day party last year.
A dog bite prevention campaign will begin this month in South Auckland, focusing on child safety.
South Auckland had the most callouts for service around dogs last year, with almost 1000 callouts for roaming dogs in Pukekohe, 2240 in Manurewa and 2176 in Papakura.
The three local boards were driving the campaign to help bring the numbers down.
“I will keep saying it, dogs aren’t to blame, owners are. If you can’t provide a dog’s health needs, food, water, shelter and exercise, and make sure it’s socialised you shouldn’t have one.”
The three areas have some of the highest numbers for dog ownership – totalling more than 7000.
Manurewa-Papakura ward councillor Angela Dalton said pet owners must take responsibility for community safety by desexing, microchipping and keeping dogs contained, exercised and socialised. Photo / 123rf
Papakura Local Board chair Brent Catchpole said children don’t always know how to behave around dogs, so they’re the most at risk.
“[The] campaign is about helping children stay safe, but that doesn’t exempt owners from responsibility,” Catchpole said.
“I’d urge them to engage too because there will be valuable things to learn.”
According to the latest Animal Management data, more than 5000 roaming dogs were picked up in the south in the year to August.
A dog bite prevention campaign will begin this month in South Auckland, focusing on child safety. Photo / 123rf
Manurewa Local Board chair Matt Winiata said they were aware there’s a problem.
“You need only go for a walk to see roaming dogs, not all of them dangerous, but they still shouldn’t be out,” Winiata said.
“No-one wants their dog to attack someone, but if you don’t know where it is, you let it roam, or think it won’t bite, you’re kidding yourself.”
The Any Dog Can Bite campaign, from December 16 - April 13, 2025, would include education about dog attack risks, and how to prevent them.
Most dog attacks on children are by the family pet or a friend’s dog so children must never be left by themselves around dogs, even if the dog is usually friendly. Photo / 123rf
It will be targeted towards communities primarily in the south and some parts of west Auckland, focused on children.
Manurewa-Papakura ward councillor Angela Dalton said pet owners must take responsibility for community safety by desexing, microchipping and keeping dogs contained, exercised and socialised.
“I know of one incident where three dogs were fighting, and a small child was bitten,” Dalton said.
“Animal Management caught the dogs, which were subsequently destroyed, and their owner fined.”
Animal Management manager Elly Waitoa said it was clear people were struggling to look after their dogs.
“Fewer people are getting their dogs desexed or registered, they’re not socialising them or keeping them contained.
“That means more roaming dogs and the risks that brings. Dogs can be wonderful, but love is not enough to keep one happy, healthy and out of trouble.”
Tips for parents/guardians:
Tamariki aged 0-9 are more likely to need hospitalisation following a dog attack, as they are most often bitten on the head, face or neck. Most dog attacks on children are by the family pet or a friend’s dog so children must never be left by themselves around dogs, even if the dog is usually friendly.
