Auckland Council’s hunt for unregistered menacing dogs has now moved into high-risk parts of south Auckland.

It has been six weeks since the widespread enforcement campaign began in less dangerous areas with high numbers of dog attacks, following the conclusion of the council’s menacing dog amnesty.

Any unregistered menacing dogs found are either being registered on site or automatically seized.

High-risk areas

Animal Management officers have this week started entering more risky areas in south Auckland and going door-to-door, beginning with Randwick Park on Tuesday.

“This area has comparatively high number of requests for service, yet only three dogs were registered in the area,” says Geoff Keber, Manager Animal Management.

“The risks in Randwick Park are higher due to the number of unregistered and wandering dogs, as well as the fact that pitbull terriers are the predominant type in the area.

“These are the dogs that are likely to cause serious harm to the public."​

“One of our Animal Management officers was also recently assaulted in the area.”

Operating alongside other agencies

Because of these risks, the operation was conducted alongside the New Zealand Police and Housing New Zealand.

“We visited 115 properties, and registered nine dogs on site. Fourteen unregistered adult dogs were impounded, along with 10 puppies.

“Three residents were also arrested as they had warrants out for their arrest, and several others received warnings because of their behaviour.”

While times like these are some of the more challenging parts of the job for the Animal Management team, Mr Keber says that it is an important part of reducing the harm done by menacing dogs.

“We’re working hard to help make these vulnerable communities, and Auckland as a whole, a safer place to live.”

What happens when a dog is seized?

Owners of seized dogs have seven days to pay any relevant fees, de-sexing or registration costs before reclaiming their dogs.

Dogs left unclaimed will be euthanised if they have been classified as menacing by breed or type (under the Dog Control Act) or dangerous by deed.

The council’s amnesty concluded at the end of June. It offered owners of menacing dogs across Auckland a waiver of fines, registration for 2016/17, de-sexing, microchipping and a muzzle for $25.

The subsequent enforcement campaign has seen more than 100 menacing dogs seized since July.