Nine charges laid against dog owners

SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES: Dangerous dogs can be impounded and destroyed.

Nine charges have been laid against Wairarapa dog owners in the past five years, new figures show.

Figures released to the Wairarapa Times-Age under the Official Information Act revealed nine cases were brought before the Masterton District Court between July 2010 and June 30 this year. Two charges resulted in dog destruction orders.

Under the Dog Control Act, all dogs are required to be registered, microchipped, kept under control and looked after. Some breeds are illegal to import.

Fees, penalties and dogs classified as dangerous are overseen by councils, but criminal action can also be taken through the courts.

Meanwhile, ACC figures revealed 237 dog-related injury claims were made in Wairarapa in the last financial year. The claims, which were worth $208,561, included all injuries involving dogs, not just attacks.

In October, two miniature horses were almost mauled to death by two marauding dogs.

In June, an 84-year-old Masterton man was left with serious injuries after being attacked by a labrador cross while on his mobility scooter. The dog was with its owner and wearing a leash and harness.

Wairarapa dog trainer Debra Kiernan said owners needed to realise their responsibilities.

"I'm not convinced the statistics are any worse than they've been in the past, there's just more reporting.

"Undoubtedly there are some issues with dogs that families overlook, but I think the public is far less tolerant.

"It's the same old. If you get a dog, you need to be responsible. You need to train it, you need to meet its needs and you need to get the right dog for your lifestyle.

"If any or all of those things don't happen, then the community suffers in some way, shape or form, and certainly the dog suffers because its needs aren't met."