Photo: RNZHefty jail terms should be considered for owners of dangerous, roaming dogs, Northland resident and Cabinet minister Shane Jones says. Jones said the current laws were "not fit for purpose" and "homicidal dogs" were scattered around Northland - with the problem worsening over years. Very few owners of such dogs were held accountable - meaning there was no deterrent in place, he said, adding a "severe level of punishment" was needed - including hefty jail terms. Northland government minister Shane Jones says a "severe level of punishment" is needed - including hefty jail terms for owners of dangerous dogs. "My sort of position is is very clear and it's around dog owner responsibility and what that responsibility means and how we need to ensure that dog owners act in a more responsible manner.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 17, 2026 22:03 UTC