Waimate Releases 2025/26 Dog Control Annual Report

Waimate District Council has published its Dog Control 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 administration, registration compliance, complaints, and enforcement across the district from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.

Registration and district dog numbers

During the 2025/26 year, Waimate recorded a total of 2,867 registered dogs, an increase from 2,758 dogs in 2024/25. The registered dog population comprises:

• Pet, working, and rural dogs: 2,841 dogs (up from 2,735 in 2024/25).
• Menacing dogs: 22 dogs (up from 20 in 2024/25). Council classified seven new dogs as menacing during the reporting period.
• Dangerous dogs: 4 dogs (up from 3 in 2024/25). Council classified two new dogs as dangerous during the reporting period.

Council reported zero disqualified dog owners and zero probationary dog owners in the district during the reporting period, maintaining a clean record from the previous year.

Enforcement and service requests

Infringement notices issued by Council animal control officers fell significantly, dropping from 49 in 2024/25 to 21 in 2025/26 (excluding cancellations):

• Failure to register (s42): 10 notices (down from 24).
• Failure to microchip (s36A(6)): 4 notices (down from 18).
• Failure to keep dog under control (s53(1)): 3 notices (up from 1).
• Failure to keep dog controlled or confined on owner property (s52A): 2 notices (down from 5).
• Failure to supply information (s19(2)): 1 notice.
• Failure to advise change of address (s49(4)): 1 notice.

Total dog-related service requests received by Council decreased from 205 to 164. Requests included 88 reports of wandering dogs (down from 115), 47 barking complaints (down from 71), 13 animal attacks (up from 9), eight rushing incidents (up from 6), and eight attacks on people (up from 4). Council initiated zero prosecutions during the financial year.

Information for Waimate dog owners

The annual statistics highlight that failure to register and failure to microchip remain the primary triggers for council infringement fines.

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.waimatedc.govt.nz/repository/libraries/id:21r92ideo17q9sg7je9s/hierarchy/Documents/Environment%20%26%20Waste/Dogs%20and%20Other%20Animals/Dog%20Control%20Annual%20Reports/2025-2026%20Dog%20Control%20Annual%20Report.pdf