The Government has released updated Dog Control Act enforcement guidelines, providing councils with revised advice aimed at improving public safety, encouraging responsible dog ownership and creating greater consistency in how dog control laws are enforced across Aotearoa.
The new guidelines are the first major update since the previous guidance issued in 2009 and form part of the Government’s wider review of the Dog Control Act 1996, which is expected to lead to legislative reform next year.
The revised guidance is intended to help local authorities make better use of the powers already available under the Act while strengthening education, compliance and enforcement to reduce the number of dog attacks and improve community safety.
Focus on Public Safety
The Government says the updated guidelines respond to growing concern about serious dog attacks across New Zealand.
ACC data recorded more than 14,000 claims relating to dog bites and attacks in 2025, highlighting the ongoing challenge facing councils, dog owners and communities.
The guidance encourages councils to adopt a balanced approach that combines public education with enforcement, while ensuring dog owners understand their legal responsibilities to keep their animals under control.
Better Information, Better Decisions
One of the key changes is a stronger emphasis on standardised reporting by councils.
Officials say improving the consistency of information collected about dog attacks, registrations and enforcement action will provide a clearer national picture of dog control issues and help inform future legislative reform.
The Government has indicated it will consider whether consistent reporting should become mandatory as part of the broader review of the Dog Control Act.
Responsibilities of Dog Owners
The updated guidance reinforces that dog owners remain responsible for the behaviour of their animals at all times.
Under the Dog Control Act, councils are responsible for administering and enforcing the legislation, maintaining dog registration systems and responding to dangerous or nuisance dogs, while owners are expected to ensure their dogs are properly cared for, adequately trained and effectively controlled in public.
The guidelines also highlight the importance of responsible ownership through measures such as registration, microchipping where required, appropriate containment and compliance with local council dog control policies.
Relevance for Māori Communities
Dog ownership remains an important part of life in many Māori communities, where kurī have traditionally held roles as companions, guardians and hunting dogs.
The Government’s review provides an opportunity for iwi, hapū and Māori organisations to contribute to discussions about how future dog control laws can balance public safety with cultural values, rural realities and responsible ownership.
Many councils have increasingly worked alongside mana whenua when reviewing local dog policies, recognising the significance of kurī within te ao Māori while also addressing community safety and environmental protection.
Wider Review Underway
The updated enforcement guidelines represent the first phase of the Government’s wider review of dog control legislation.
The review is examining whether stronger penalties for irresponsible owners, additional powers for council animal control officers and other legislative changes are needed to better protect communities from dangerous dogs.
The Government expects to consider legislative recommendations later this year, with updated dog control laws anticipated during 2027.
In the meantime, councils are being encouraged to use the revised guidelines to improve consistency, strengthen education programmes and ensure existing powers under the Dog Control Act are used effectively.
As the review progresses, the Government says the goal remains clear: supporting responsible dog ownership while making communities safer for everyone.
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