Animal control in the district involves the administration of the Dog Control Act 1996 and animal ranging throughout the district. The Council's control programme includes dog registration and public education work. South Taranaki has about 5,000 registered dogs.
Working with the Council's Dog Control Policy, the Council's Animal Control Officers provide an education service to dog owners. They also investigate complaints, prosecute major breaches of animal control legislation and provide an impounding service to remove stray animals or any animals presenting with unacceptable behaviour. Animal Control Officers also deal with general nuisance matters and administer bylaws that relate to Environmental Services.