Gore Releases 2025/26 Dog Control Annual Report

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

The annual report covers animal control operations, enforcement statistics, and policy administration across the district from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.

Registration and district figures

As of 30 June 2026, the Gore District recorded 3,178 registered dogs, down slightly from 3,290 in 2025. Council notes that approximately one-third of registered dogs are family pets residing in urban areas. Council reported zero probationary and zero disqualified dog owners during the period.

Three dogs in the district are classified as dangerous under Section 31(1)(b) of the Act (by sworn evidence). A total of eight dogs are classified as menacing (four for behaviour under Section 33A and four for breed or type under Schedule 4), down from 11 in the previous year due to transfers or deaths. Council newly classified one dog as menacing for behaviour during the reporting period.

Complaints, enforcement, and shelter capacity

Council received 525 complaints during 2025/26, down from 558 in the previous financial year. Key complaint figures include:

• Aggressive behaviour: 11 formal complaints relating to aggressive dog behaviour were logged, comprising six minor attacks on people, one serious attack on a person, one attack on another animal, and three attacks on stock.
• Roaming and nuisance: Officers attended 179 reports of roaming dogs and 131 barking complaints.
• Infringements: Officers issued 76 infringement notices. Before issuing infringements for non-registration, Council makes efforts to encourage compliance, including phone calls, text messages, and property visits. Council took zero prosecutions during the year.
• Shelter and rehoming: Council completed the expansion of its purpose-built animal care facility, increasing holding capacity from four to up to 10 dogs. Unclaimed dogs with suitable temperament are rehomed through Furever Homes in Invercargill or private individuals following property checks.

Information for Gore dog owners

For the 2025/26 year covered by the report, standard urban dog registration was $125, reduced to $65 for dogs that are neutered or spayed and have had no complaints, impoundments or infringements within a two-year period. Rural registration was $30. To support compliance, Council provides flexible instalment payment options for owners facing financial hardship.

For registration rules and owner responsibilities, see our checklist for NZ council dog registration and our comprehensive guide to dog registration in NZ.

Sources

• https://www.goredc.govt.nz/repository/libraries/id:2buwl3j7c17q9srz9ase/hierarchy/Our%20Services/Documents/Dogs%20%26%20Other%20Animals/2025-26%20Annual%20Dog%20Control%20Report%20to%20Council.pdf