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QUESTIONS FROM DOG OWNERS

The SPCA recommends an annual check up with a vet. The vet will check the general health of your dog, examine their eyes, ears, teeth and skin and administer any necessary vaccinations. Your vet will provide you with the best possible advice for your dog. If your dog suddenly changes its behaviour or seems sick you should take it to the vet immediately.

If you are a responsible dog owner it should be safe for you to keep your dog once your baby arrives. Start today, by getting your dog ready for the new arrival. Try to socialise your dog with other children and babies so it gets used to the smell and sound of babies. Teach your dog that the baby’s room is out of bounds.

QUESTIONS FROM CHILDREN

The best way to shake off your fears about dogs is to learn more about dogs, and about dog safety rules. Contact your Local Animal Control Unit who can advise you of ways to keep yourself safe around dogs. You can also check some fun stuff at the Kidzone on this website to learn more.

Any breed of dog can bite if it is hurt or frightened or teased – even the friendliest dog.

Dogs are well known for being loyal companions to humans. People get dogs for many reasons: as farm dogs or for protection, but mainly to enjoy as a fun addition to the family. Dogs provide a lot of joy for many people.

Dogs love exercise such as swimming, chasing after a ball, walks and running.

They are also happy to sit with their family to watch TV. Many dogs respond well to advanced agility training, or being in dog shows and these can be activities for all to enjoy.

STATISTICAL QUESTIONS

There were 565,757 dogs registered on the National Dog Database on 31 May 2019.

211,759 Cross Breeds – 37%
353,998 Pure Breeds – 63%

Number of currently registered dog owners – 443,596

The top five dog breeds registered are:
Retriever/Labrador – 41,385
Huntaway – 30,865
Border Collie – 22,107
Heading – 19,369
Jack Russell Terrier – 16,448

316,051 dogs micro-chipped on the National Dog Database. There will be a large number of dogs micro-chipped but their chip numbers not registered with their local council.

In 2019 there were 10,390 dogs classified as menacing and 585 dogs classified as dangerous.

Dog population in order:

Auckland (Group) 102648
Christchurch City 38527
Dunedin City 17687
Waikato District 13719
Selwyn District 13520
Tauranga City 12717
Southland District 12249
Waimakariri District 12151
Hastings District 11588
Rotorua District 11441
Tasman District 10832
Whangarei District 10706
Wellington City 10197
New Plymouth District 10160
Gisborne District 10056
Marlborough District 9909
Hutt City 9371
Hamilton City 9073
Invercargill City 8974
Timaru District 8890
Western Bay of Plenty District 8815
Palmerston North City 8181
Far North District 8068
Ashburton District 7641
Whanganui District 7633
Napier City 7615
Kapiti Coast District 7587
Taupo District 7306
Manawatu District 7103
Clutha District 6664
Waipa District 6620
Tararua District 6552
Horowhenua District 6186
Whakatane District 5926
Upper Hutt City 5832
Central Otago District 5805
Nelson City 5585
Masterton District 5488
Waitaki District 5430
Matamata-Piako District 5382
Hurunui District 5366
Porirua City 4961
Kaipara District 4754
Ruapehu District 4608
Hauraki District 4503
South Taranaki District 4409
Thames-Coromandel District 4351
Central Hawke’s Bay District 4333
Rangitikei District 4261
South Waikato District 3828
Waitomo District 3404
Queenstown-Lakes District 3353
Wairoa District 3273
Gore District 3265
South Wairarapa District 3032
Waimate District 2870
Grey District 2593
Otorohanga District 2177
Carterton District 2166
Buller District 2075
Stratford District 2047
Westland District 1736
Mackenzie District 1712
Opotiki District 1442
Kawerau District 1206
Chatham Islands 367

QUESTIONS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC

Voice your concerns to your neighbour if you feel comfortable doing so, otherwise contact your local SPCA, or Animal Control Unit.

Dogs must be under the control of their owners at all times. Most councils have defined areas where dogs can be exercised off a leash. You may wish to avoid those areas. In other areas, dogs may be prohibited or required to be on a leash at all times. Your local Animal Control Unit can advise you where these areas are. If a dog runs up to you, ask its owner to put in on a leash. If the owner is not in sight, simply stand still with your arms by your sides and look at your feet. Dogs will get bored if you do not respond to them and they will eventually wander off. If you are concerned about the situation you should contact your local Animal Control Unit.

Even the friendliest of dogs has the potential to attack if it is teased, hurt or frightened. Make sure the dog is restrained while you visit. Make sure your children know how to behave safely around dogs and always supervise children when they are with a dog.

Disclaimer:
On the NZIAM website we have links to other websites which are not under our control. We have no influence over the nature, content and availability of these sites. The inclusion of any website links on this page does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorsement of the views expressed within them.

DOG RESOURCES

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    Training, uniforms, equipment and associated services for compliance, enforcement and regulatory professionals.

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