On the hunt for unregistered dogs

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

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

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

Animal Management officers are in risky areas going door-todoor, beginning with Randwick Park.

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

‘‘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.’’

Because of these risks, the operation was run with police and Housing New Zealand.

All up 115 properties were visited, with nine dogs registered on site. Fourteen unregistered adult dogs and 10 puppies were impounded.

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