Southland District Council is clamping down on bad dog owners.

Its infringements issued to those flouting the rules in the past year have risen by nearly 50 percent  - to 150.

Many are attributed to unregistered dogs and biting is a growing issue.

Mayor Rob Scott says staff take dogs from owners as a last resort, but he hopes infringements have taught people a lesson.

"And for those that don't - we've actually got to look at their ability and if they should be owning a dog. Because they're letting the side down for everyone." 

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