Whanganui Releases 2025/26 Dog Control Annual Report

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

The report details canine registration statistics, service requests, and enforcement outcomes across the Whanganui district between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

Registration numbers and owner classifications

As of 30 June 2026, Whanganui recorded 7,738 registered dogs. Council reported that animal management functions are funded through a combination of annual dog registration fees and general rates, reflecting the wider public safety benefit of animal control. A fee increase came into effect on 1 July 2025.

During the financial year, four owners were disqualified from owning dogs under the Dog Control Act 1996, while zero owners were classified as probationary. Council recorded zero dangerous dog classifications under Section 31 during the period. Menacing dog classifications under Section 33 totaled 30 dogs, comprising 13 classified for behaviour under Section 33A(1)(b)(i) and 17 classified by breed under Section 33C(1), with one dog classified for both breed and behaviour. Council received zero statutory objections to menacing dog classifications.

Requests for service and complaint trends

Council logged 3,782 animal-related requests for service during 2025/26, representing a 2.7% increase compared to 3,679 requests in 2024/25. Registration and general information enquiries formed the largest category, accounting for 1,861 calls.

Wandering animals generated 783 service requests, including 102 calls relating to livestock. Reports in several complaint categories decreased across the district:

• Barking dogs: 553 complaints (down from 688 in 2024/25)
• Secured dogs: 293 reports (down from 337)
• Dog rush incidents: 155 reports (down from 177)
• Dog attacks: 75 incidents (down from 86)

In addition, officers responded to 28 reports of animal ill-treatment (up from 19) and 34 trap requests.

Enforcement and shelter operations

Council issued 700 infringement notices during the reporting year. Of these notices, 45 were paid, 170 were written off, 478 were lodged with the court, five were prepared for court proceedings, and two remained in process. Two prosecutions were pending before the court at the close of the period.

Council maintains an animal pound at 7 Airport Road for housing impounded animals and supporting emergency response during natural disasters. The facility provides low-cost microchipping for $30, alongside discounted collars and leads. Council's Dog Control Policy, which commenced on 1 July 2026, is supported by the Dog Control Bylaw 2026, which sets the standards of control required of dog owners.

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

Sources

• https://www.whanganui.govt.nz/files/assets/public/v/1/reports/dog-control-reports/whanganui-district-council-annual-dog-control-report-2025-2026.pdf