Cook Islands police are urging dog owners to get their pets registered and are warning there will be severe consequences if they fail to do so.
Eight to 10 percent of visitors to the Cook Islands will often make complaints about stray dogs. Photo: RNZ/ Daniela Maoate-Cox
Dogs attacking livestock has become a recurring issue with local authorities saying owners must be more responsible.
The Dog Registration Act 1986 states that owners must have full control of their dog, including using a leash in public.
But Inspector Solomona Tuaati said most cases of dogs attacking livestock were due to dogs roaming freely, without their owner in sight.
Mr Tuaati said dogs could be seized and put down as well as the owner incurring heavy financial penalties.
"We will prosecute the owner of the dog and if found guilty by the court, they could be fined up to $NZ500," he said.
"The other measure that we do is the owners of the dogs who's responsible for the attacking of stock is also liable for the cost of the damages that their dogs have done."
Mr Tuaati said the Ministry of Agriculture assisted police by putting a value on the damage done to livestock.
