Central Otago Releases 2025/26 Dog Control Annual Report

Central Otago District Council has released its Dog Control Policy and Practices Report for the 2025/26 financial year, fulfilling statutory reporting obligations under Section 10A of the Dog Control Act 1996.

The annual report outlines animal control operations, compliance metrics, and enforcement activities across Central Otago between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

Registration and district dog classifications

During the 2025/26 registration period, Central Otago recorded 6,688 registered dogs, achieving a 99.78% registration compliance rate. This represents a minor decrease of 60 dogs (approximately 1%) compared to 2024/25. Registration fees remained unchanged at $72.00 for pet dogs, $12.00 for working dogs, and $108.00 for dangerous dogs, with late payments incurring a 50% penalty before infringement notices are issued.

Dog classifications and owner statuses across the district comprise:

• Microchipping: 3,116 dogs (71.81% of required dogs) are recorded as microchipped in the council database, with education and enforcement planned for the remaining 1,223 dogs.
• Menacing dogs: 16 dogs, comprising 11 classified for observed or reported behaviour under Section 33A and five classified by Schedule 4 breed or type under Section 33C. Council policy requires that all menacing dogs must be neutered.
• Dangerous dogs: One dog was classified as dangerous under the Act during the period and has since been euthanised.
• Owner classifications: One disqualified owner and zero probationary owners reside in the district.

Complaints, service requests, and enforcement

Council received 344 dog-related service requests, reflecting a 9% reduction from 379 in the previous year. Barking remained the primary complaint driver with 112 calls (down from 136), supported by council services providing free loan bark collars and evidence bark-boxes. Roaming dog reports fell by 20.75% from 53 to 42 calls. Attack reports included five minor and two serious attacks on people, four minor and six serious attacks on other animals, and one stock-worrying incident.

Seven dogs were impounded during the year, up from three, and were reunited with their owners. One dog found emaciated was surrendered to the SPCA for care and eventual rehoming. Cougar Security continued providing contracted animal control services during office hours and after-hours.

Council issued 173 infringement notices, down from 262 the previous year. Failure to register accounted for 156 notices (over 90% of all infringements), while 12 notices were issued for failing to keep a dog controlled or confined. Zero prosecutions were initiated under the Act.

Guidance for Central Otago dog owners

Central Otago dog owners must adhere to the council Dog Control Policy, which limits residential properties to a maximum of three dogs unless a licence is granted. Owners must always use or carry a leash when taking dogs out in public. On-leash areas apply around town centres and sports ground playing surfaces, and dog exercise areas are identified in Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Ranfurly, Naseby, Roxburgh and Pisa Moorings.

For local registration requirements and owner responsibilities, see our checklist for NZ council dog registration and our complete guide to dog registration in New Zealand.

Sources

• https://www.codc.govt.nz/repository/libraries/id:2apsqkk8g1cxbyoqohn0/hierarchy/Services/Dog%20Control/Dog%20Control%20Policy%20and%20Practices%20Reports/Dog%20Control%20Policy%20and%20Practices%20Report%202025-2026.pdf