Tasman Releases 2025/26 Dog Control Annual Report

Tasman District Council has released its Dog Control Act Section 10A Report for the 2025/26 financial year, tabled at the Environment Regulatory and Operations Committee meeting.

The annual report outlines canine registration trends, complaint patterns, and enforcement actions across the Tasman district between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

Registration numbers and owner classifications

As of 30 June 2026, the district recorded 8,746 dog owners and 12,258 registered dogs, reflecting a slight decline across both urban and rural zones compared to 12,531 dogs in 2024/25. The registered dog population comprised:

• Urban dogs: 6,533 dogs (down from 6,628)
• Rural dogs: 5,725 dogs (down from 5,903)

Owner classifications in the district included one probationary owner and six disqualified owners. Council recorded four dangerous dogs under Section 31 of the Dog Control Act 1996, comprising two classified by sworn evidence, one following conviction, and one by owner admission. Menacing dog classifications under Section 33 increased, with 79 dogs classified for observed behaviour under Section 33A (up from 24 in 2024/25) and 10 classified by breed under Section 33C (up from five).

Complaints and service requests

Council received 1,238 complaints during the 2025/26 period, representing an increase of 83 compared to 1,155 in the previous year. Wandering or found dogs remained the most frequent issue, generating 689 calls (up from 575).

In contrast, nuisance barking complaints continued a three-year decline, falling to 267 calls compared to 372 in 2024/25 and 389 in 2023/24. Reported incidents involving aggression included 62 attacks on humans, 46 attacks on domestic pets, 68 attacks on stock, and 26 rushing complaints. In addition, Council recorded 11 reports of dogs attacking wildlife and 29 animal welfare complaints.

Enforcement actions and bylaw implementation

Council issued 291 infringement notices during the financial year, compared to 274 in 2024/25 (totals added up from the report's table). Failure to register accounted for 243 notices, while 28 were issued for failure to keep dogs controlled or confined, eight for failure to keep dogs under control, three for failure to microchip, three for failing to supply information, three for failing to comply with the effects of a classification, two for wilful obstruction of an officer, and one for a false statement about registration. Zero prosecutions were initiated during the period.

Council administers canine compliance under its Dog Control Bylaw and Policy 2024, which took effect on 31 March 2025.

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

Sources

• https://www.tasman.govt.nz/document/serve/Dog%20Control%20Activity%20Report%202025%20-%202026.pdf?DocID=37466