SPCA is calling for an urgent review of the Dog Control Act 1996 following a fatal dog attack in Northland.

The organisation says the tragedy marks the fourth fatal dog attack in four years in New Zealand and the third in Northland.

“Our thoughts are with the woman’s whānau and the wider community during this incredibly heartbreaking time," says SPCA Chief Scientific Officer Dr Arnja Dale.

She says New Zealand’s current approach to dog control is not fit for purpose and is urging a substantive review of the 30-year-old law.

SPCA is calling for reinstatement of Central Government grants to councils to subsidise desexing of menacing and roaming dogs, and for standardised national guidelines on actions after a dog bite incident, incorporating tools such as the Dunbar Bite Scale.

“There is no single silver bullet,” Dr Dale says.

“Effective prevention relies on strong legislation, consistent enforcement, responsible breeding oversight, desexing, early behavioural intervention and public education. What is needed now is leadership from Central Government and a comprehensive, substantive review of this outdated law.”

The organisation says it has been engaging with successive ministers since 2015 and wrote again to the minister on Wednesday morning requesting a meeting.

It says while it welcomes the Department of Internal Affairs’ work to update operational guidance for councils, guidance alone cannot resolve weaknesses in the primary legislation.

Public concern is reflected in two parliamentary petitions before a Select Committee calling for modernisation of the law.

Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.

Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]