Key Takeaways:
- The Western Bay of Plenty District Council recorded 30 reports of people being attacked by dogs in the 12 months to June 30, down from 37 the year before.
- Complaints about dogs attacking animals also dropped, from 118 to 100, but roaming dog reports surged from 271 to 496.
- The Tauranga District Council recorded 69 attacks on people in the 12 months to June 30, five fewer than the previous period, and 1100 roaming dog reports, up 16% on the prior year.
- Dog behaviourists and experts emphasize the importance of education and responsible dog ownership to prevent dog attacks and roaming dogs.
- Proper training, socialization, and boundary setting are crucial to prevent aggression in dogs.
Introduction to Dog Incident Data
The Western Bay of Plenty District Council has released its latest data on dog incidents, showing a decrease in the number of people being attacked by dogs. In the 12 months to June 30, there were 30 reports of people being attacked by dogs, down from 37 the year before. Additionally, complaints about dogs attacking animals also dropped, from 118 to 100. However, roaming dog reports surged from 271 to 496, which is a concerning trend according to Tauranga District Council regulatory services general manager Alison Curtis. The council takes the issue of roaming dogs seriously, and any dog found roaming will be impounded, with the owner facing a $300 infringement after a warning.
Roaming Dogs and Rising Risks
The rise in roaming dogs is a growing concern, as it increases the risk of aggression and attacks. Bilbo’s Dogpaws Rescue owner Billie Te Tau has seen firsthand the dangers of roaming dogs, having witnessed them fighting and biting each other. Te Tau emphasizes the importance of education and accountability, stating that owners should ensure their dogs are contained, microchipped, desexed, and registered. She also advises people not to approach roaming dogs, as they can turn aggressive without warning. Aggression in dogs can stem from various factors, including fear, injury, old age, lack of socialization, past trauma, or territorial instincts. Te Tau’s rescue prioritizes desexing as many dogs as possible to reduce the number of unwanted puppies, often from roaming dogs.
Education after Tragedy
A recent fatal dog attack in Katikati has highlighted the need for education on responsible dog ownership. Four-year-old Timothy Tu’uaki Rolleston-Bryan died after being mauled by three dogs at a Tuapiro property in March. The incident has sparked a call for more awareness and education on how children can safely interact with dogs. Dog behaviourist Maree Hart agrees with this message, stating that many people misread dog behaviour and that over-excitement is often a sign of overwhelm. Hart plans to tour the country teaching families how to keep children safe around dogs and emphasizes the importance of proper training, socialization, and boundary setting to prevent aggression in dogs.
Preventing Dog Attacks
Hart, who has worked in dog training for over 30 years, believes that most aggression stems from fear or poor handling. She advises owners to communicate effectively with their dogs and build strong relationships based on trust and respect. Hart’s goal is to teach owners how to prevent dog attacks by understanding dog behaviour and body language. She stresses that dogs don’t want to be aggressive and that it’s usually caused by incorrect training or lack of boundaries. By educating owners and the public on responsible dog ownership and dog behaviour, Hart hopes to reduce the number of dog attacks and create a safer community for both humans and dogs.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, the data on dog incidents in the Western Bay of Plenty District Council highlights the importance of education and responsible dog ownership. The rise in roaming dogs is a concerning trend that increases the risk of aggression and attacks. Experts such as Billie Te Tau and Maree Hart emphasize the need for proper training, socialization, and boundary setting to prevent aggression in dogs. By prioritizing education and responsible dog ownership, we can create a safer community for both humans and dogs. It is essential for dog owners to take their responsibilities seriously and ensure their dogs are well-cared for, socialized, and trained to prevent dog attacks and roaming dogs.