Dog owners in the Whakatane district are being urged to take their dogs for a walk, rather than leaving them to their own devices.
Whakatane District Council manager community regulation, Graeme Lewer, said dog owners had a responsibility to exercise their dogs under supervision, so allowing them to leave their property and exercise themselves was often a dangerous approach.
"Dogs might be on the doorstep in the morning, but in the meantime, they've often been out fighting, mating, attacking stock or helping themselves to the contents of rubbish bins, which all have negative consequences," he said.
"It's not hard to take your dog for a walk or a run around - it's simply what comes with being a responsible dog owner."
Mr Lewer said it was important that dogs got the exercise they needed, but it was equally important to ensure they were doing this under supervision and in the appropriate place.