Dog Related Injuries

The Times-Age followed up a research article about dog-related injuries which referenced an estimated rate of 20 people per year in Masterton being hospitalised as a result of dog-related injuries.

In response to a request for comment, the following information, was provided attributable to Environmental Services Manager Terri Mulligan.

Here are the figures for dog attacks for the past five years, as reported in the Section 10a reports on the Council website:

2017/18 – 24

2018/19 – 24

2019/20 – 14

2020/21 – 20

2021/22 – 17

Masterton District Council’s Animal Services team works hard to educate and inform dog owners about their responsibilities, as part of efforts to limit dog attacks.

This includes a regular programme of visits around schools to explain how children should behave around dogs.

The number of attacks reported to the Council is relatively stable – noting the slight increase in attacks reported during the height of Covid-19 lockdowns, when there were more people out walking, and more possibilities for interactions with dogs.

It should be remembered that the report is based on ACC claim figures, not Council data. Where a dog attack involves the owner of a dog or their family, this is often not reported to the Council.