Awareness lowers dog attack numbers

Dog attack numbers fell in Christchurch in the past six months, with more awareness of the risks posed by the animals considered a possible reason for the decline.

Almost 900 "priority one" dog complaints were received by the Christchurch City Council last year, including 220 reported dog bites, 422 cases of dogs rushing people, 236 dog attacks on other animals and 15 dog in distress calls.

Nearly two-thirds of the reported attacks happened in the first half of the year.

Christchurch City Council animal control staff said heightened media coverage of dog attacks in the past year had increased demand on the council's dog education teams.

Animal control officer Geordie Megson said there was a growing interest from schools and other organisations in dog handling and education courses the council provided.

The courses include teaching children how to approach a strange dog and what to do if it becomes aggressive.

- NZPA