The dog registration system that is to be rolled out in Samoa later this month is expected to encourage dog owners to take more responsibility for their pets.
The police are working with Local Government NZ to put in place a dog registration system, dog control processes and a dog shelter.
The registration of dogs is set to begin in late April.
Our correspondent in Apia, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, says this isn't the first time there has been a registration law for dogs, but the previous law was never put into action.
He says most people are in support of the plan.
"Families, sometimes they own more than five dogs, and the problem with that is most of those dogs, they just roam around, they're not well looked after by families who own them, and I think having the Canine Control Act will put families into [having] some kind of responsibility to look after their animals well and to make sure they are to be registered and they also must keep their animals in a safe place to make sure the dogs don't go out and attack people."
Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia says education is needed, especially in rural areas.
