I am a pet owner in Whakatāne, New Zealand, and every day I hear distressing stories of pets and people threatened or attacked by roaming dogs. Friends have shared horrifying accounts of their pets being mauled and killed. These incidents are not isolated; they are becoming an alarming trend in our community.

Our local council has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its residents - both human and animal. However, current dog control measures seem insufficient to address this growing issue.

We need stricter regulations on dog ownership and control. This could include mandatory leashing laws in public spaces, increased fines for owners who neglect their responsibilities, or even compulsory training for certain breeds known for aggressive behavior.

By signing this petition, you're calling on the Whakatāne Council to take immediate action towards improving dog control measures in our community. We owe it to ourselves and our beloved pets to make sure that we can live safely without fear of uncontrolled dogs. Please sign this petition today – let's make Whakatāne safer for everyone!