Dog Attacks On Rise

Dog attacks in Nelson have been steadily increasing in recent years, new data shows.

At a meeting on Thursday, Nelson City Council mayor Nick Smith highlighted dog control statistics in his mayor’s report.

Data showed dog attacks on both people and animals had increased over the past three years, with 34 dog attacks on people and 61 on animals in 2024/25, compared to 28 and 37 attacks respectively in 2022/23.

Meanwhile, ACC data showed a record high 205 claims for dog-related injuries in Nelson in the year ending June 2025. There had been a steady upward trend over the past decade from 156 in the year ended June 2016, the mayor’s report said.

There are 6236 registered dogs in Nelson City.

Smith labelled the increases concerning.

“I have heard from some people in Nelson that they are afraid to go out in their neighbourhood or use their local park for fear of dangerous dogs and this is unacceptable,” the report said.

It came after the Minister for Local Government Simon Watts wrote to councils in March about the Dog Control Act, saying it was not longer fit for purpose and he planned to undertake a “comprehensive review” with stakeholder consultation.

He also urged councils to use their powers under the act.

“I am particularly keen to see all councils specify in their dog control policy that menacing dogs must be neutered,” the letter said.

The minister’s letter came after fatal dog attack in Northland, and a Christchurch dog attack where a father and son were seriously injured, both in February.

Local Government New Zealand has backed an overhaul of the act, saying existing dog control rules are insufficient.

“Dangerous dogs are intimidating and affect people’s sense of safety. It’s clear we need to reform our dog control laws to better protect communities,” LGNZ president Rehette Stoltz said in March.

At Thursday’s meeting, councillors asked staff to report back on the city’s dog control policy and any enforcement changes that could be made to reduce the risk of dog attacks in Nelson; and any recommendations for legislative changes the council should be seeking as part of a review of the Dog Control Act.

Smith said the act needed “tidying up”.

“Our dog control officers need some more tools.”

He noted the number of attacks was small compared to the number of dogs in the city, but said he was surprised that the number of attacks was increasing.

“We are dealing with a minority, but it is my view that we need to look at enforcement … how we improve safety.”

By Warren Gamble, Nelson Mail