Napier City Council is offering free neutering and micro-chipping for a few specific breeds of dog, hoping to reduce the number of attacks.

The city had almost 100 recorded attacks last year, often involving children.

Council spokeswoman Hayleigh Brereton says de-sexing dogs classified as "menacing" in the Dog Control Act, can make them safer.

"It will often improve the temperament of the dog and will stop them wandering, so it helps improves the dog's behaviour."

She said the breeds covered are Pitbull, Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, and Perro de Presa Canerio and their crossbreeds.