Nearly 200 more problem dogs were destroyed by Wanganui District Council's animal control officers in the 2010-11 year than the previous year.
In 2009-10 311 dogs were destroyed compared to 483 in 2010-11, an increase of 172.
Council chief executive Kevin Ross said there was no particular reason for the increase.
Reasons for putting dogs down included dogs not being claimed, not being able to re-home dogs and dogs not being suitable for re-homing.
The council also saw a marked increase in both dog registrations and impoundings over the 2010-11 year. Dogs registrations rose by more than 1300, up from 6404 to 7717.
Dog impoundments also rose, from 928 to 1215.
Mr Ross said while there was no explanation for why registrations had increased, there was for the rise in impoundments.
"This is the result of increased patrols by animal control staff and an increased service," Mr Ross said.
He said dogs were impounded for a number of reasons, including aggression, nuisance barking, welfare reasons and for being unregistered.
No prosecutions were carried out by council last year, although dogs were impounded, infringement notices were issued and dogs were given warning classifications.
Four hundred fines were issued and Mr Ross said this amounted to more than $43,000.
COMPLAINTS
The council received a total of 3671 complaints about animals, most of which were about dogs. These were for:
- barking dogs 1115
- dangerous dogs 316
- dogs worrying stock 321
- wandering dogs 626
- found dogs 203
- dog welfare issues 871
Other complaints concerned:
- wandering stock 169
- other animals 30
The council employs three animal control officers.