One of the nastiest dog bites Police have seen in recent months was inflicted upon a local resident (pictured), this week.

After commencing a walk from his residence on Monday evening, a man was suddenly set upon by a neighbouring dog. The dog ripped into the lower part of his right leg. 

Police spokesman Trevor Pitt said Police Dog Ranger Officers are being bolstered in their efforts to deal with menacing animals, which accounted for more than 40 of the total number of dogs put down since last July. 

“The larger number of attacks were on livestock and other animals. The owners of uncontrolled dogs are liable for prosecution,” Pitt said.

Last week, the Dog Registration and Animal Control Committee (DRACC) granted warrants to Te Are Manu Vet Clinic and the Cook Islands SPCA. The warrants allow these organisations to enter properties to either treat or desex dogs who have been causing problems.

Te Are Manu medical director Michael Baer said the warrant gave him legal rights to enter properties to treat animals.

Baer is the only vet at Te Are Manu who received this warrant. He adds it allows him to treat sick or injured animals in a property where owners may be overseas.

“It allows us to enter a property legally to treat injured animals or desex them. Our first approach is to talk to the people and assist landowners, or pet owners on holiday to assist animals - for welfare. That is important to us.”

DRACC representatives include members from Te Are Manu, SPCA, Ministry of Agriculture, Cook Islands Police Services and Cook Islands Tourism and was formed to collaboratively address the dog population issues in Rarotonga.

During the most recent International Visitor Survey for the Cook Islands, stray and wandering dogs were listed as one of the “least appealing” aspects of people’s stay in the country.

• Matthew Littlewood/Police Media