Animal Control

The Animal Control Unit operates every day. Most staff time is spent on dog control issues such as barking, roaming, and attacks on people, other dogs or stock. The unit also manages dog registration.

Staff are on call 24 hours to respond to calls about dog attacks, dogs rushing at people, roaming dogs that have been secured, injured dogs, and wandering stock.

Afterhours calls about roaming dogs are assessed on a case-by-case basis and prioritised accordingly.

Council's Animal Control Unit works under the Dog Control Act 1996, the Rotorua Lakes Council Dog Control By-law 2005 and the Impounding Act 1955.

Feral cats

Rotorua Lakes Council supports responsible cat ownership which includes microchipping to help identify your pet, and de-sexing to prevent unwanted litters and potential issues. Owners could also consider other sensible preventative measures such as keeping cats indoors at night.

Council does not currently have legislative requirements that would allow us to deal with cats – feral or domestic. In addition, there is no requirement for owners to microchip their cats to assist with confirming whether a cat is feral or domestic.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council classes feral cats as an ‘Advisory Species’ which is not controlled by Councils, but responsibility of the landowner/occupier to manage. The Department of Conservation does take an interest in feral cats in locations where native wildlife is present e.g. Sulphur Point.

If it is a welfare issue, you can contact Rotorua Lakes SPCA on 07 349 2955.

Dogs aren't allowed in the central business district (CBD):

Areas where you can walk your dog

Open hours

• Office: Monday to Friday, 8am - 4.30pm
• Pound: Monday to Friday, 11am - 1.30pm
• Phone: 07 348 4199