The number of dog-inflicted injuries is on the rise with a record 372 cases registered in Tauranga City in the last financial year.

ACC data released this week shows the number of claims are continuing to rise, increasing from 327 recorded in the previous year – and from 308 claims made four years ago.

The number of dog-related injuries recorded in Tauranga is on the rise. Photo: file image.

Tauranga claimed $71,927 in compensation in the last financial year as a result of the injuries – part of the nationwide total of $3.29million.

Tauranga City Council's animal services team leader Brent Lincoln is wary of the rising figures but remains optimistic the problem can be controlled, citing the numbers are reflective of the city's rising population.

'I haven't noticed a big change in the number of dog-related injuries. It is usually around 0.7 per cent of the city's population.

'With an increasing population there is an increase in dog numbers also, but we are actively monitoring this.”

In 2012, there were 10,082 dogs known to council – with 117 classified as menacing and 25 classed as dangerous. Of this, 8809 dogs were registered.

In the same year a total of 116 infringements were recorded, with eight prosecutions made under the Dog Control Act of 1996 and seven resulting in orders of destruction.

An ACC spokesperson says it is vital to remember these figures are relating to dog-related injuries and not specific to dog bites.

'Most dog-related injuries are minor, requiring a visit to the GP; the three most common injuries being lacerations, soft tissue injury and dental injury.”

Nationwide, ACC has received a record 12,406 claims for dog-related injuries in the last financial year, with 61 orders for destruction under the Dog Control Act, from 525 prosecutions.

The National Dog Database shows 536,000 dogs were registered in 2012.

Brent admits last year was 'busier than normal” with a high number of claims and incidents reported in the two months of October and January.

'These are our busiest months, so we will have to see how they go this year. We are currently collating the data for October.”

Of the 117 ‘menacing' registered dogs in Tauranga, 47 American pitbull terriers were classed as menacing. One was classed as dangerous, along with two German shepherds, two rottweliers and one labrador retriever.

The data was released alongside the latest information on dog populations from the National Dog Database, and dog-related prosecution numbers from the Ministry of Justice.