Auckland Council has desexed 1,000 dogs through its free pilot programme.

The milestone is tied to efforts to cut roaming dogs, dog attacks, and pressure on shelters, while helping dogs live healthier lives.

Auckland receives more than 15,000 reports of roaming dogs each year and more than 1,300 recorded dog attacks on people.

Similar numbers of attacks on other animals are also reported annually.

Animal Management manager Elly Waitoa said reducing the dog population is critical if Auckland wants fewer roaming dogs, fewer dog bites, and less strain on shelters.

“Every dog desexed today prevents countless unwanted litters in the future,” she said.

The programme has two initiatives.

An in-house desexing clinic in Henderson was established in June 2025. A desexing voucher partnership with the SPCA launched in April 2025.

The Henderson clinic is led by veterinarian Dr Roz Holland.

The clinic removes a major barrier for many owners, cost, and includes a pick-up and drop-off service.

The service mainly supports owners referred by shelter teams, animal management officers, and organisations already helping families who need extra support, such as assistance with food or veterinary care.

The free service has also been offered in neighbourhoods with higher numbers of roaming dogs, with strong uptake.

Dr Holland said some owners are hesitant at first, and staff take time to talk things through, answer questions, and build trust.

The SPCA partnership trial currently involves 18 veterinary clinics.

Animal Management officers can issue desexing vouchers in the field using mobile devices.

For Hibiscus Coast households needing extra support, the Henderson clinic offers free desexing with pick-up and drop-off.

Funding comes from infringements under the Dog Control Act. That means responsible owners who register and manage their dogs correctly are not paying for the programme.

The desexing initiatives sit within a wider action plan that also includes stronger compliance, community education, partnerships, and advocacy for changes to the Dog Control Act.

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