Reporting a problem dog
If you have a complaint against a nuisance or problem dog, you can report it to the Council’s Animal Control team by phoning (03) 941 8666.
Reporting a barking dog
The nuisance of noise such as a dog’s excessive barking is perceptual – what is excessive to one person may not be to another. Under the Dog Control Act 1996, to classify dog barking as a nuisance, it must be persistent and loud.
If you are being annoyed by the persistent and loud barking or howling of a dog, you should report the dog to Animal Control.
Once a complaint is made, we will ask you to complete a Recording Sheet noting the date, time and length of each barking incident. We will need to identify with you the type of barking heard, to establish if the animal is distressed or a nuisance.
With the information the complainant provides, we may:
- send an officer onsite
- notify the owner that their dog has a complaint against it
- supply the complainant with a feedback form.
If there is no improvement after Animal Control’s investigation, and an issue is reported against the same dog, the Council will move to the next step to try to resolve the problem.
Reporting an aggressive dog
If you have been a victim, witness or are the owner of an aggressive or dangerous dog, or a dog that has attacked, you should advise Animal Control of this incident as soon as it occurs.
You will be asked for the following details:
- your name, address and phone number
- the address of the dog you are reporting
- the date, time and location of the attack
- details of the dog – breed, colour, sex and any distinguishing features
- details of the incident and if you are prepared to make an official police statement.
The names and addresses of the dog owner and any witnesses should be obtained. If the dog owner leaves the incident without supplying these details, you should note their appearance and vehicle registration number.
The address of the offending dog is important for an Animal Control Officer to make contact. If the owner is not present, the offending dog should be followed to obtain its home address. Follow the dog with a reasonable distance between you – do not chase or call it.
All details, medical reports and marked clothing from the attack should be kept as evidence to build a case against the owner.
Contact us
Animal Control
Inspections and Enforcement Unit
Phone: (03) 941 8666
Email: animal.control@ccc.govt.nz
Authorising Unit: Inspections and Enforcement
Last reviewed: Thursday, September 17, 2009
Next review: Friday, September 17, 2010
