Auckland Councillor Bitten by Dog While Protecting Pet, Calls for Urgent Dog Law Reform

Auckland Councillor Josephine Bartley was bitten by a dog while intervening to protect her shih tzu, Milo, from an attack on a city footpath. The incident has prompted Bartley to renew calls for significant changes to New Zealand’s Dog Control Act, which she deems “no longer fit for purpose.”

The Attack

On Thursday, March 19, 2026, Bartley and her aunt were walking Milo home when a “large, aggro, muscly” dog ran from a driveway, dragging a chain, and attacked Milo. Bartley attempted to wrestle the dog off her pet and was bitten in the process, also sustaining a knee injury. She was unable to obtain details from the dog’s owner, who drove away with the animal immediately after the incident.

Milo’s Condition and Aftermath

Milo was taken to a veterinarian and, fortunately, showed no visible wounds, but Bartley was advised to monitor him for potential lung damage. He is currently receiving pain relief and is described as “very shaken up.” Bartley herself received a tetanus shot and antibiotics at an accident and emergency clinic.

Calls for Legislative Change

Bartley, representing the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Ward, has written a strongly worded letter to Local Government Minister Simon Watts, urging him to address the inadequacies of the current Dog Control Act. She expressed her frustration that the existing legislation allows such incidents to occur and criticized the government’s inaction. She stated, “What is it going to take for you and your Government to listen and to act?”

Council and Ministerial Response

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown echoed Bartley’s concerns, calling the attack “senseless” and reiterating the need for government action. Minister Watts acknowledged the severity of the situation, calling the attacks “horrific” and stating he would be outlining a response to roaming and uncontrolled dogs “very shortly.” He emphasized the importance of consequences for irresponsible dog owners and acknowledged the role of the government in addressing the issue.

Ongoing Concerns and Funding for Desexing

Auckland Council has long advocated for changes to the Dog Control Act, including improved powers to detain dogs after attacks, reduced numbers of dangerous dogs, and enhanced enforcement measures. Recently, a combined fund of $1.2 million was announced to support dog desexing programs in Auckland and Northland, aiming to prevent approximately 7,500 puppies from being born in the first year alone. The SPCA will lead the program, focusing on removing financial and access barriers to desexing.