Napier Releases 2025/26 Dog Control Annual Report

Napier City Council has released its Annual Dog Control Report for the 2025/26 registration year, presented to the Delivery and Regulatory Performance Committee on 20 August 2026 as required under Section 10A of the Dog Control Act 1996.

The annual report outlines canine management, operational service requests, and enforcement activities across Napier between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

Registration metrics and canine classifications

As at 30 June 2026, the city recorded 8,409 registered dogs, marking an increase from 8,120 registered in the 2024/25 reporting period.

Canine and owner classifications under the Dog Control Act 1996 recorded across the district comprise:

• Dangerous dogs (Section 31): 24 dogs, a decrease from 26 in 2024/25.
• Menacing dogs (Sections 32A and 33C): 142 dogs, down from 166 in the previous year.
• Owner classifications: Zero probationary owners and 11 disqualified owners, compared to nine in 2024/25.

Complaints, enforcement, and court prosecutions

Total dog complaints and service requests received by Council decreased from 3,037 to 2,687 (the total also counts information requests and poo-bag dispenser refills). Public safety complaints included 41 minor dog attacks on people (down from 55), 12 serious attacks on people (down from 16), and 64 attacks on other animals (down from 83). Nuisance reports also dropped, with reports of roaming dogs falling to 521 (down from 674) and barking complaints decreasing to 430 (down from 495).

Council issued 390 infringement notices during the year, compared to 325 in 2024/25, with 127 notices subsequently cancelled following owner compliance. Council took three prosecutions for offences under the Dog Control Act 1996, up from zero in the previous reporting year.

Shelter impoundment and community rehoming

Total dogs impounded by Council fell from 576 to 450. Of these, 216 dogs were returned to their owners, and 39 registered dogs were returned home without charge on their first impounding.

A total of 41 dogs were successfully rehomed, and three were transferred to the SPCA. Euthanasia numbers decreased from 181 to 147; 59 were surrendered by their owners for euthanasia because of attacking or biting, aggression, or failing the rehoming assessment, and 40 because of poor health on arrival at the pound.

Animal Control was funded 13% from rates and 87% from fees and charges in 2025/26, compared with 28% rates budgeted in the Long Term Plan. The report notes the Animal Control team proactively patrols reserves, beaches, parks and playgrounds.

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

Sources

• https://napier.infocouncil.biz/Open/2026/08/DRCCC_20260820_AGN_1377_AT.PDF