Nearly half of all impounded dogs in Auckland euthanised

Dog attacks, animal welfare call outs, and impounds are all on the rise in Auckland, a new report reveals.

The latest annual report into Animal Management in Auckland shows the highest demand for animal management services to date.

Auckland Council animal management manager Elly Waitoa says many people are struggling to look after their dogs.

"What we have seen over the past year is that fewer Aucklanders are getting their dogs desexed or registered, they're not socialising them properly and not keeping them contained to their properties.

"As a result, we're seeing higher numbers of aggressive dogs out roaming the streets and putting the public, other animals and themselves at risk."

There was a 14 percent increase in dog attacks, a 19 percent increase in attacks on other animals, and welfare related complaints increased by 80 percent..

In the past year 8306 dogs were impounded by the council's three shelters and nearly half of those were euthanised.

Waitoa said the rate of dogs being claimed by owners once impounded has hit a 10-year low, at 43 percent - leaving 48 percent of dogs to be euthanised.

The report says that's an increase of over half, and attributes it to the increase of aggressive, roaming, and unwanted dogs.

"Shelter staff work hard to find homes for unclaimed dogs that pass temperament tests, but a high number of dogs coming through our shelters have behaviour issues that mean they are not safe for rehoming," Waitoa said.

"This, combined with the sheer number of dogs going unclaimed has sadly meant more dogs have been euthanised than in previous years."

Waitoa said Aucklanders need to be sure they can keep a dog happy and healthy before getting one.

"Our plea to Aucklanders is that if you are thinking of getting a dog, please carefully consider whether you are ready for this responsibility."

Work on a new animal shelter, to open in early 2025, was underway.

Councillor for Manuwera-Papakura Daniel Newman said over 6000 requests for help with roaming or aggressive dogs, or animal welfare checks, were in the ward.

He said the capacity of the Manukau Animal Shelter was at "breaking point".

"Candidly, my community is ground zero for the challenges our Animal Management officers face, and more than 60 percent of euthanised dogs are accounted for in South Auckland."

The numbers show the consequences of people failing to be responsible owners, and more effort needs to go into desexing and education, he said.

"Auckland Council cannot and should not tolerate roaming dogs, aggressive behaviour towards people, and dog attacks."