Dog wardens, contending with rising numbers of animal complaints, reported only one on-the-job injury in recent years.

After a Public Access to Information request, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources disclosed a single incident in the past two years.

A warden was off work for six days in January after being bitten by a dog.

Wardens have accompanied police to seize illegal dogs in a number of recent raids on properties where suspected drugs have been seized.

The DENR said that the injured warden’s matter had not involved any police activity.

Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, told MPs in March that dog wardens would be given increased powers this summer after a string of attacks.

The Pati figures showed the changing number of wardens on active duty since June 2021, with three on staff until September 2021, and two from October 2021 to June 2022.

There were four wardens employed between July and October 2022, followed by two on the job for January this year and three from February until this month.

Mr Roban did not specify what extra resources would be given to wardens.

He said that the extra resources were expected to be delivered during this legislative year.