Ruapehu Releases 2025/26 Dog Control Annual Report

Ruapehu District Council has published its Annual Dog Control Policy and Practices Report for the 2025/2026 financial year, the annual report councils must produce under Section 10A of the Dog Control Act 1996. The report covers 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026 and went to the council meeting on 26 August 2026.

Key figures

• Registration: Ruapehu had 2,388 registered dogs. There were no probationary or disqualified dog owners.
• Dangerous dogs: The district has 9 dangerous dogs — 5 classified on the owner's conviction under s31(1)(a), 3 on sworn evidence under s31(1)(b) and 1 on the owner's written admission under s31(1)(c). One dog was newly classified dangerous in 2025/26.
• Menacing dogs: Council classified 22 dogs as menacing in 2025/26 — 17 for behaviour under s33A(1)(b)(i), 1 for breed characteristics under s33A(1)(b)(ii) and 4 as Schedule 4 breeds under s33C(1). The district total is 63.
• Complaints: Wandering dogs were the largest category with 289 complaints, followed by barking (164), attacks on people (48), welfare (48), attacks on other animals (42) and uncontrolled dogs rushing, challenging or chasing traffic (39). There were no prosecutions.
• Impounding: 155 dogs were impounded. Of these, 67 were returned to their owners, 29 were rehomed and 59 were euthanised. The report says new owners were found through word of mouth, the council's Facebook page and people contacting the council, and that dogs are only euthanised after being surrendered or unclaimed and found unsuitable for rehoming because of illness, temperament or breed. Euthanasia is carried out by a licensed veterinarian.
• Infringements: 239 infringement notices were issued: failure to register (170), bylaw offences (38), failure to control and confine (14), failure to comply with the effects of a menacing classification (9), failure to control (6) and failure to comply with the effects of a dangerous classification (2).

What this means for Ruapehu dog owners

Failure to register accounted for 170 of the 239 infringement notices — just over 71%.

Registration for 2025/26 cost $64.50 with Responsible Dog Owner status (registered by the due date and a clear record for the previous 12 months), $99.50 for desexed dogs and $129.50 for entire dogs if paid by 30 June, with a 50% late payment penalty.

Under the council's dog control policy, dogs must be on a leash at all times in public places that are not exercise areas, except in Ohura township. A wandering dog that is registered and has no history of valid complaints may be returned to its owner at no cost. Impounded dogs incur fees of $90 for a first impounding, $180 for a second and $285 for a third, plus $17 a day sustenance; staff may reduce or waive fees case by case where full payment would cause financial hardship and improved control is in place.

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

Sources

• https://www.ruapehudc.govt.nz/repository/libraries/id:2dyphjrmg1cxby65trfv/hierarchy/our-services/animal-services/documents/Ruapehu%20District%20Council%20-%20Annual%20Dog%20Control%20Policy%20and%20Practices%20Report%20Financial%20Year%2020252026.pdf