Mauke leaders are not backing down from their long-standing decision to keep dogs off the island, despite rising concerns over the growing population of wild pigs.

Island mayor Joanne Rongoape Stephens told Cook Islands News the dog ban was introduced about 15 years ago following a series of concerning incidents involving dogs attacking both people and livestock.

“I remember, a while ago, some dogs started biting the kids. That’s what I can remember,” Stephens said. “Not only biting the kids, they even, you know, the baby goats and the baby piggies, they ran after that.”

Stephens recalled two particularly large dogs that were considered a serious risk at the time.

“You just have to be careful with them. But it was already agreed, pretty sure it was 15 years ago, the council of those days. Some people, they like dogs over here, but because they agreed then, we decided to just follow what they said.”

Although the island is now dealing with an increasing number of wild pigs, the mayor says bringing back dogs as a solution is not something the island’s leadership is willing to consider.

“I don’t think so,” Stephens said when asked about the possibility of lifting the ban. “Although I understand that some people want to bring them back, especially for the wild pigs.”

“But I don’t think it’s a good idea. You need professional people to look after the dogs because once you bring it in, it’s hard to get rid of them.”

She confirmed that the number of wild pigs is growing.

“Heaps,” she said.

When asked about attacks from wild pigs, Stephens said there have been no reports of injuries, but she remains cautious.

“Thank God I haven’t heard of anyone getting hurt but they do look fierce when they look at you, you know, the big ones.”

For now, Mauke’s leadership is sticking with the status quo, prioritising the safety and long-term wellbeing of their community.