Photo: RNZThe government is ordering a complete review of the decades-old Dog Control Act after sustained criticism the current law is not enough. Watts said the government has heard clearly from Local Government NZ and councils that the Dog Control Act is outdated and stopping them doing their jobs. But Watts said dog control issues were best managed locally by councils, which already had enforcement powers under the existing law. Photo: RNZPolice Minister Mark Mitchell said while the review was under way police would support dog control officers when they needed help. "Police have a role to play in dog control when council staff have safety concerns while dealing with dangerous and high-risk dogs.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 20, 2026 22:17 UTC