That’s on top of the 56 incidents reported in the past financial year to June 30, 2015. Owners should take note that a dog doesn’t necessarily need to cause injury for authorities to act. 

Under the companion animal act the owner is culpable if a dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal (other than vermin), whether or not any injury is caused to the person or animal.

“Any dog attack is a concern, which is why [Port Stephens] council works with a number of organisations in educating the community on responsible pet ownership – encouraging residents to register their dogs, make sure they are under effective control, ensure they are capable of managing the particular breed they have chosen and ensuring dogs are under effective control at all times,” a council spokesman said.

“Our team of rangers also work hard to protect the community in this regard, taking appropriate action against dogs and owners that do the wrong thing.

“However, the majority of dog owners are responsible and generally do the right thing - ongoing consistency in this regard is crucial in terms of protecting the safety of the community, their pets as well as our region's native wildlife.'

The Christmas and new year period kept rangers particularly busy. Dog related matters required considerable attention as did illegal car parking and camping. In the summer school holiday period rangers seized 27 roaming dogs with 24 being returned to their owners and three were sold to new homes.

“Port Stephens Council Rangers dealt with a number of issues during the Christmas and new year period – particularly parking and abandoned vehicles, illegal campers and lost dogs,” the spokesman said.

“Regular parking patrols were undertaken, namely in the Nelson Bay CBD and busy foreshore areas - in response to a large influx of visitors for the holiday period, however in the most part, drivers parked responsibly.”

Have you reported a dog attack? Email sam.norris@fairfaxmedia.com.au.