Whanganui District Council's animal management team has been dealing with a spat of dog attacks this week. Photo / Bevan Conley
Whanganui District Council's animal management team has been dealing with a spat of dog attacks this week. Photo / Bevan Conley
Recent dog attacks in the city have prompted Whanganui District Council's animal management team to ask owners to keep their pets on leashes.
The council's compliance operations manager Jason Shailer said there had been a spate of dog attacks this week.
"Since 4pm on Tuesday afternoon, there have been sixreported dog attacks in Whanganui," he said.
"One attack resulted in a bite to a person, three were attacks on other dogs and two were attacks on a cat and some chickens. All of the attacks were minor, apart from the attacks on a cat and chickens where these animals died."
There were two attacks in Whanganui East, one in Gonville, one in Aramoho and two in Castlecliff.
"Wandering dogs come across more people and other dogs in their travels which increases the chances of an issue," he said.
"With more people out and about walking their dogs in their local areas, people need to adapt their dog exercise behaviour and be in control of their dogs at all times."
Shailer said while taking advantage of the time to exercise dogs and enjoy the outdoors it was essential to maintain safe distancing protocols and keep dogs from wandering.
"Keep your dog on a leash at all times, maintain your physical distance and remain two metres from other dog-walkers and dogs. Pick up your dog's stools."
He also recommended other ways to enjoy dogs at home, such as playing games and extra training.
Dog attacks can be reported to the council on 06 349 0001. The phone is monitored 24/7.
