THE Nasinu Town Council believes it can do more to address the stray dog nuisance by stepping up its campaigns next year.
But the council's special administrator Mosese Kama says increasing the number of campaigns would depend on the availability of funds.
Mr Kama said 172 stray dogs were caught during a dog trapping campaign this year.
He said the number of dogs caught this year was higher than last year's figure of 100 dogs. He said the increase in the number of dogs trapped this year was attributed to the fine weather and the number of cages being increased from six to 10.
"Last year, the council had only six cages which limited the number of stray dogs that could be caught and the operation was cut short due to bad weather as well," he said.
Mr Kama said it cost the council $4000 for the two-month operation this year, which included the purchase of cages, manpower and baits.
"This year's operation could not take place in the first quarter due to the absence of the veterinary officer for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which is why we had to defer it to the third quarter," he said
At the end of the campaign, the 172 stray dogs were taken to the SPCA for neutering.
Mr Kama said the council was also mindful of pets that were trapped.
He said dog owners were advised to pay $20 to the SPCA for their dogs to be neutered and an additional fee of $13.50 for a dog licence.