Auckland Council expects the number of dog attacks will continue to rise

Council figures show more than two thousand-800 dog attacks were reported in the past year -- a 17-percent rise.

It expects this to increase by almost 500 next year.

Auckland Councillor Daniel Newman says it will be very difficult to make immediate improvements.

He says the council is focusing on reducing the number of roaming dogs, by trying to educate owners and promote de-sexing.