Northland, New Zealand is reeling after a 62-year-old woman, Mihiata Te Rore, was killed by three dogs in Kaihū on Tuesday, prompting renewed calls for urgent action on dog control laws and increased funding for desexing programs. The tragedy, the fourth fatal dog attack nationwide and the third in the Northland region in the last four years, has ignited a debate over the effectiveness of current legislation and the responsibility of local authorities.
The SPCA is leading the charge for change, advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of the Dog Control Act 1996, which they say is “hopelessly out of date.” The organization has been campaigning for a review of the Act for over a decade, and is now urging the government to reinstate funding specifically earmarked for the desexing of menacing and roaming dogs. This comes as concerns grow over a rising population of unmanaged dogs and inconsistent responses from local councils to reported incidents.
According to reports, Kaipara District Council’s animal management team had received four complaints regarding the dogs involved in the attack since November of last year. They visited the property twice in February, but were unable to speak with the owner or take the dogs into their care. The incident has raised questions about the council’s ability to effectively enforce existing regulations and the limitations of their authority.
Calls for National Standards and Increased Funding
SPCA senior science officer Alison Vaughan emphasized the need for a nationally standardized approach to dog control. “What we really need right now is leadership from central government so we can get standardised national guidelines, so we can get more funding to address desexing of menacing and roaming dogs, because right now this population is continuing to grow,” she stated. Vaughan highlighted the lack of consistency in how different local governments respond to dog attacks, arguing that a unified national framework is crucial for effective prevention. RNZ reports that the SPCA believes increased funding for desexing programs is a key component of a sustainable solution.
Minister for Local Government Simon Watts has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and stated he is seeking urgent advice on dangerous dogs. The Minister’s response follows growing public pressure and calls for action from Northland MP Grant McCallum, who is seeking a meeting with Northland’s district mayors and Minister Watts to discuss dog control measures, according to the Northern Advocate.
Differing Views on Addressing the Issue
The tragedy has also sparked debate about the appropriate response to dangerous dogs. Cabinet minister Shane Jones suggested a more forceful approach, referencing a past practice of shooting dangerous dogs, stating that his father’s generation would “just shoot them.” However, Vaughan cautioned against indiscriminate culling, citing evidence from overseas that suggests it is not a sustainable solution. “We do know from overseas examples that indiscriminate culling of roaming dogs doesn’t find a sustainable solution, so it may reduce numbers temporarily, but if we don’t address the irresponsible breeding and roaming, we will see population quickly rebound,” she explained.
Police have confirmed that the three dogs involved in the attack are currently in the care of animal management. Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer stated that the investigation is in its early stages and focused on establishing the facts of the case. Police are also appealing to the Kaihū community for information regarding roaming dogs in the area, as reported by 1News.
The death of Mihiata Te Rore has deeply affected the Kaihū community, with neighbors expressing concerns about previous incidents involving roaming dogs. Waatea News reports that locals had raised concerns about dogs roaming freely and chasing people in the area prior to the fatal attack.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on preventing future tragedies and ensuring the safety of communities across New Zealand. The SPCA’s call for a comprehensive review of dog control laws and increased funding for desexing programs is likely to be a central point of discussion in the coming weeks. The government’s response to these calls will be closely watched as stakeholders seek a long-term solution to the issue of dangerous dogs.
What comes next will depend on the outcome of Minister Watts’ urgent review and the government’s willingness to address the SPCA’s concerns. The community awaits further updates and a clear plan of action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
