Ruapehu District Council is taking a zero-tolerance approach to the owners of dogs that attack or worry people or stock.
Chief executive Peter Till said recent prosecutions have resulted in nine convictions, five dogs being destroyed, nearly $2000 in fines, and more than $4000 being awarded to the council and victims.
He hoped the message that people could expect a harsh response if they did not manage their dogs properly was spreading.
"The gossip trail will be beating around the small towns that we serve," Mr Till said.
"It will have an effect but we need to wait now and see, but we will carry on doing what we're doing in the hope of convincing people that they really do need to keep their dogs under control."
The council would not hesitate to prosecute people who did not follow the rules, he said.
