American Pit Bull Terriers were the breed most involved in attacks. Photo: Unsplash / Michael Anfang
Animal control is grappling with a surge in dog attacks in Auckland.
There have been almost 2500 attacks in the year to June - 250 more than the same time last year.
More than 2500 canines had to be put down over the same time - double the previous 12 months.
Animal shelters were also heaving, with more than 6000 dogs impounded.
Papakura - in south Auckland, had the highest number of menacing dogs in the region, with Auckland Council's animal management report showing 60 canines were reported and ordered to get neutered.
At the suburb's Ray Small Park, Sue and Bernadette said they carried sticks and umbrellas in case an unruly dog gets too close.
"Well, we have encountered a few times when we've had to take evasive action, which is why we carry a stick and an umbrella," Sue said.
"I've had a couple of quite bad frights with loose dogs that come screeching up," Bernadette said.
When RNZ spoke with the pair they were walking a white, fluffy, Japanese Spitz named Jack Frost and said they had had some close calls.
"We should stop licensing dogs, and license owners," Bernadette said.
"As you have to pass a test to get your driving license, you should pass a written test that you do know something about keeping a dog, and you know what to do, and what your liabilities are with keeping a dog."
There were 112 prosecutions against dog owners for serious offending across the city, in the 12 months to the end of June.
Auckland Council has classified 5410 dogs as menacing in Auckland, meaning they were required to be neutered - up 41 on the previous year.
The breeds most involved in attacks, on people and animals combined, included American Pit Bull Terriers (149), Staffordshire Bull Terriers (72), and Mastiffs (46).
Auckland Council head of Regulatory and Community Safety Committee, councillor Josephine Bartley, said the report painted a sad picture.
"I think it just shows the magnitude of the issue that Auckland is facing with roaming dogs, and the extent of effort the Animal Management team have gone to, and are going to, to try and address it," she said.
"We need a community response, as opposed to council coming in and saying 'you're not looking after your dog properly, now we've got to go and put them in a shelter'."
"We need people to see that this is important and take some responsibility," Bartley said.
She had a clear message for irresponsible owners.
"The dog is not a toy that you take on just because you like the dog but you're not looking after the dog," she said.
"It takes a lot to look after a dog."
Council Animal Management manager Elly Waitoa said de-sexing dogs was one way to prevent attacks.
Across Auckland 6596 dogs were impounded at shelters, with just over half being claimed by their owners.
Waitoa said it was a challenge for shelters to keep up.
"More dogs are going through the shelters, I think there was around a 31 percent increase in dogs impounded last year," she said.
"There are high numbers of dogs coming through, often aggressive, so yeah it's challenging."
Waitoa had a plea to Aucklanders.
"At the bare minimum, control your dog, and don't let it roam."
She said they were working with community leaders to promote responsible dog ownership.
A lighter note
Auckland Council's report also included some positive numbers.
In the 12 months ending June, 110 unknown dogs had been registered, with a total of 382 dogs adopted from shelters, or transferred to rescue stations.
And 170 dogs had been vaccinated and microchipped, with 120 booked for free desexing.
The report also included a collection of the most interesting registered dog names, in the author's opinion.
Some of these included 'Thor God of Barking and Destroying Toys', 'Super Sonic Robbie Dobhi Mutton Bird', 'Kiri Wiri Piri Wepu Hiwa i Te Rangi', and 'Chase Mitty Mumu Archibald Potempkin'.