Most people have read about dog cases that end up in court. But when the prosecution involves you and your dog, it’s more than just a social media discussion—it’s real, and the consequences can be severe.
You might think these cases are rare, but in Auckland alone, 112 prosecutions were taken against dog owners in a single year—far more than cases under environmental or building laws.
- The most common charge? Dog attacks.
- The most serious consequence? Destruction (aka 'put to sleep,' 'the death penalty').
- The best advice? If your dog attacks—or is attacked—call a legal expert sooner rather than later.
Timing of what you do is enormously important. Getting legal help before making statements is crucial—we routinely see cases where dog owners, thinking it was best to "give their side of the story," later realise that what they said has come back to bite them. And for your dog, that can be the difference between saving them or losing them forever.
If you’re facing a dog-related charge, contact Guardianz immediately.