Last Updated on June 25, 2023 by Fumipets
Unleashed Crisis: Rising Dog Attacks Amid Auckland’s Canine Boom
Startling Spike in Canine-Triggered Incidents
Recent data unveiled by Newshub exposes an unsettling rise in dog attacks on humans within the greater Auckland region, aligning with an escalating canine population in the city. This disturbing development underpins an intensive vaccination and registration campaign that was initiated in Ōtāhuhu, where supplies depleted due to an overwhelming demand.
Roaming Dogs and Surging Attack Rates
The influx of canine-related incidents is fueling concerns, as more dogs are found roaming freely, leading to a spike in attacks. In the 2018-2019 financial year, Auckland recorded 716 dog attacks, which has soared 44 percent to 1032 incidents this year. Even police officers are not immune; just last week, an officer was injured during a dog attack in Papatoetoe.
Community Effort in Containing the Canine Boom
With various breeds, from the pampered pooch to the robust bulldog, all were in attendance in Auckland’s southern region for the proactive campaign. The campaign aimed to address the pressing issue of a burgeoning canine population. Amanda Fraser-Jones, the founder and trustee of the Chained Dog Rehabilitation and Rehoming organization, spoke about the aim of the initiative.
She said, “It’s about being non-judgmental. We’re not here to point fingers at you for being a terrible dog owner. Life happens to the best of us and sometimes we need a hand up.”
This mantra was certainly alive as hundreds of dogs, of all shapes and sizes, were queued for free vaccination, microchipping, and registration. The nonprofit Chained Dog financed the costs, servicing about 170 animals before supplies ultimately ran out.
Increasing Dog Ownership and Its Implications
The tremendous turnout showcased the pressing need among dog owners, as the canine count in Auckland rose from 125,000 to just under 133,000 within five years. An additional issue complicates matters: most of these dogs are unregistered, leading to challenges for the local council.
Kelsey Purcell, an Auckland Council animal management officer, commented, “For the last year or so, our shelters, all three of them, have been running at full capacity. These dogs are not registered, not microchipped, not desexed, and have been out roaming, with no one looking for them.”
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, there’s a strong desire to see more free microchipping and registration events across South Auckland. Suzy Mitchell, Kāinga Ora housing support and wellbeing manager, stated, “We’re looking to keep moving it across South Auckland because it is one of the number one safety concerns in our communities.”
As the population of Auckland’s canines swells, so does the necessity for responsible pet ownership and community cooperation. With continued awareness, education, and a commitment to responsible pet ownership, Auckland’s citizens and canines can coexist peacefully.
For more on this story, visit Newshub.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/06/worrying-increase-in-dog-attacks-on-people-as-auckland-s-canine-population-booms.html
