Dog Problems

Should you have an Animal Control complaint call our Customer Service Team on 07 885 0340 (available 24/7) or send us an email.

The situation will be attended to by a Compliance Officer. If your complaint is of a serious nature, ie, a dog attack, please ring (07) 885 0340 as soon as you are able to. Don't wait until the next day. Time is of the essence.

Pit bull terriers and crossbreeds of pit bulls are required to be classified as Menacing due to the characteristics of the breed. Council is permitted to classify any dog as a 'dangerous dog' should unsuitably aggressive behaviour be observed or reported. Menacing dogs and Dangerous dogs need to be muzzled and on a leash at all times when in public places unless they are entirely within a vehicle.

Dog attacks are unacceptable. Council has the power to seize dogs that attack people or other animals. If you, a person you know or your pet has been attacked by a dog, contact us immediately on 07 885 0340 (available 24/7) and a Compliance Officer will investigate. Again, do not delay/.

Barking is normal canine behaviour and is permitted. However, it is an offence for a dog to create a nuisance by persistent loud barking or howling. Where a nuisance is created, Council has the right to insist that the responsible person take immediate measures to control the behaviour.

If you do live near a dog that you consider to be a nuisance and you feel comfortable talking to the owner, do so as a first step. Although this can feel confronting, it is sometimes the best way to get a resolution to the problem, most people appreciate you coming to them in the first instance. The dog owner may not be aware of your concern and could take steps to improve the situation without it becoming a Council issue. Alternatively contact Council on 07 885 0340. A Compliance Officer will investigate.

Parvovirus, also known as parvo, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects puppies and unvaccinated dogs. It causes severe bloody sickness and diarrhoea, which causes rapid dehydration and dangerous blood loss. Without treatment, the condition is usually fatal, and even with supportive care, puppies can be left with damaged heart muscles or permanent damage to the gut wall. Instead of the heartbreak and expense of treating a puppy for parvo, prevention is the best option.

Make sure your dog is properly vaccinated. Puppies should receive their first vaccines at 6-8 weeks of age; boosters should be administered at three-week intervals until the puppy is 16 weeks of age, and then again at one year of age. Adult dogs need the vaccine every three years.

Limit your puppy or unvaccinated dog's exposure to other dogs until its had the first two vaccinations, unless you are sure the other dogs are fully vaccinated.

Avoid places where your puppy or unvaccinated dog could be exposed to parvovirus from unvaccinated dogs. Dog parks, pet stores, play groups, and other public areas should be avoided until your dog or puppy is fully vaccinated.

Parvovirus is very difficult to kill and can live in the environment for over a year.

If you suspect your house or yard has been infected, clean with a 1:32 dilution of bleach (1/2 cup bleach in a gallon of water). Regular soaps and disinfectants DO NOT kill parvovirus. Areas that cannot be cleaned with bleach may remain contaminated. Remember, the virus can survive on a variety of objects, including food bowls, shoes, clothes, carpet and floors.

If your dog or puppy is vomiting, has diarrhoea, is not eating or is lethargic, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible. These are all symptoms of parvovirus. Remember, Infected dogs may show only one symptom!

Under the Dog Control Act, a dog can be classified as menacing either by their breed or behaviour.

Menacing by breed

The Dog Control Act automatically classifies dogs that are wholly or predominantly of these breeds as menacing, no matter how they behave individually. These dogs are the Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario and American Pit Bull Terrier.

Menacing by behaviour

Any dog can also be classified as menacing by behaviour, regardless of its breed.

This happens when a dog has proven to be a risk to the public, other animals or protected wildlife.

In the South Waikato District, if Animal Control Officers classify your dog as menacing, we issue you with a notice of your dog's classification. Your dog must then be:

• muzzled in public except when in a vehicle or cage.
• neutered or certified unfit to be neutered within one month of being classified as menacing due to behaviour.

If you dog has been classified as menacing due to its breed, we strongly recommend that you have your dog desexed. Please ask for advice on how we might be able to assist in helping you get your dog desexed by ringing 07 885 0340.