The age-old game of stick-fetching with your dog is dangerous and should be banned, veterinary experts have warned.
The throwing of sticks for dogs to run after could kill them, with risks including cuts, infection, internal bleeding, and choking.
The New Zealand Veterinary Association and Kennel Club have both raised concerns over the popular game.
Their stance is supported by both the Australia and British veterinary associations which say dogs can get horrific injuries.
But some dog owners have rubbished the notion as "political correctness gone mad".
Shayne Gebbie, 47, throws sticks for his 5-month-old Boxer puppy at his local Christchurch dog park almost every day.
"He loves it. I've had dogs all my life, and they've all loved playing fetch with the stick," he said.
"I've never had any problems. It's political correctness gone mad."
Tiko Toganivalu, 38, owner of 2-year-old Labrador-American Staffordshire cross, Tess, was equally bemused by what had vets in a spin.
"You can isolate incidents all you want, but I don't see any problem with it," he said.
"As long as you're careful, then I can't see where the dogs could be harmed."
Vets say sharp sticks can pierce a dog's mouth, throat, or even their internal organs.
About one dog a month was admitted to emergency for stick-related injuries, the RSPCA was quoted as sayng by the Daily Telegraph.
British Veterinary Association president Robin Hargreaves told the paper owners should "never throw sticks".
"It is a violent incident that causes real damage," he said.
"We have horrendous problems. Imagine ramming a toothbrush into the end of your mouth, except it is spiky."
Clyde Rogers, senior vice-president of the New Zealand Kennel Club, urged caution.
While it used to be commonplace, most responsible dog owners never threw sticks these days, he said.
"Dogs could easily injure themselves. I'd urge people to think carefully before they took a dog out and threw a stick around," he said.
"When you get bodies like the Australian and British veterinary associations recommending other practices, then I certainly believe that New Zealand should also conform with that position. Because we put a lot of emphasis on animal welfare, that would be our official position."
While the New Zealand Vet Association doesn't have a stick-fetching policy, owners should reduce the chance of risk through the choice of toys to play with.
"Sticks, as with any other material thrown for a dog, will always carry a small risk of injury, whether through excessive force should the object hit the dog or equally through the potential for long sharp objects, like sticks, to penetrate the mouth in particular should the dog lunge at the object to catch it," said president Cath Watson.
However, she stressed that "behavioural enrichment" was critical for dogs and alternative toys could be used for a dog's playtime.
Bob Kerridge, executive director of SPCA Auckland and immediate past president, says owners should be using safer alternatives to sticks.
"For years, it's been something that everybody does without thinking about it, but now that there are so many safer alternatives, it makes sense."
THE RISKS OF STICK-FETCHING
* Vets say dogs can suffer horrific injuries, including cuts, infection, choking, and internal bleeding
* Sharp objects can pierce a dog's mouth, throat and internal organs
* Alternative toys, like rubber bones, balls, rope, or frisbee should be used
