Dogs cause $400k of injuries

Rotorua Lakes Council animal control supervisor, Kevin Coutts, said dogs were not inherently dangerous animals. Photo / Andrew Warner

Dogs contributed to more than $400,000 worth of injuries in Rotorua last financial year.

Dogs were the most commonly cited animal in ACC claims in Rotorua, with 367 costing a total of $439,351.

However, the 185 claims involving horses were more costly. The figures included all injuries involving the animals, not just attacks.

Rotorua Lakes Council animal control supervisor, Kevin Coutts, said dogs were not inherently dangerous animals.

If a dog was socialised, given the basic care and training and in the possession of a responsible dog owner it would probably never cause a problem or come to the notice of authorities, he said.

Risks could also be minimised by teaching a dog its geographical boundaries.

A secured dog or a securely fenced property would prevent the vast majority of dogs being a danger to the public.

Mr Coutts said dog attacks were uncommon compared to complaints about barking or roaming dogs. "Having said that, no dog attack is acceptable. Any uncontrolled dog in any public place including roads is an issue and is dealt with immediately by council animal control officers."

Horses were the second most commonly cited animals in ACC injury claims in Rotorua - 185 claims worth a total of $561,408.

Cattle featured in 99 claims, worth $230,914.

ACC media adviser Suzanne Muth said animals inflicting the highest number of injuries were not necessarily the most dangerous. There were significantly more cattle, sheep and horses in New Zealand than other animals such as deer.

"Therefore the number of cattle, sheep and horse-related injuries is proportional, and not because these animals present a greater danger," she said.

Figures did not necessarily refer to bites or attacks. They include accidental injuries involving the animal, for example falling over the dog or tripping while out walking the dog.

ACC claims in Rotorua
•Dogs involved: 367 claims ($439,351)
•Horses involved: 185 claims ($561,408)
•Cattle involved: 99 claims ($230,914)
Last financial year

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