Updated dog control guidelines welcome, but law reform still urgently needed

The guidelines provide advice to councils on how to administer and enforce the Dog Control Act 1996 and form the first phase of the Government's wider dog control reform programme.

SPCA Chief Scientific Officer Dr Arnja Dale says the updated guidance is a significant step forward after years of inconsistent approaches to dog control across New Zealand. The previous guidelines had not been comprehensively updated since 2009.

"These updated guidelines are a positive step for dog welfare and community safety. They provide councils with clearer guidance and have the potential to deliver more consistent dog control across New Zealand."

SPCA welcomes the stronger focus on nationally consistent dog control, education and responsible ownership, improved officer competency and training, animal welfare considerations, and humane handling practices.

However, SPCA says the guidelines stop short of addressing some key issues.

The organisation would have liked to see a nationally consistent, evidence-based framework for assessing dog bite incidents.

SPCA recommended an objective assessment process that considers factors such as bite severity, behavioural history, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and future risk.

While welcoming the guidance, SPCA notes that the guidelines are not legally binding. Councils retain discretion over how they apply them, meaning approaches to dog control and data reporting may continue to vary across the country. Dr Dale says this highlights why reform of the Dog Control Act remains urgently needed.

"For too long, dog control has been a postcode lottery, with approaches varying considerably between councils. These national guidelines are an important step, but they cannot replace modern legislation.”

The Dog Control Act is 30 years old and has never undergone a comprehensive review despite significant changes in dog ownership, urban development, and community expectations.

Although the Government announced a review of the Act in March this year following another tragic, fatal dog attack, a clear timeline and scope for the review has yet to be released.

Dog attacks continue to have significant impacts on people and animals across New Zealand. ACC receives around 13,000 dog bite injury claims each year, costing approximately $7 million annually.

"Four people have sadly lost their lives in dog attacks over the past four years, and every year thousands more New Zealanders suffer injuries serious enough to require ACC support. We cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to dog control.

"Nearly five months after the Government announced a review of the Dog Control Act, we're still waiting for a confirmed timeframe. We encourage the Government to progress modern legislation that gives councils better tools to prevent dog attacks while improving outcomes for both people and dogs."

SPCA looks forward to continuing to work with Government on the next phase of reform to ensure New Zealand has modern dog control legislation that improves both public safety and animal welfare.