The Manawatu District Council says a woman who poured petrol through the council's office in Feilding was angry that her dog had been impounded.
Police were called to the building about 8.30am and spokesperson said the offices were evacuated and the woman arrested a short time later. Detective Felicity Cato said no one was injured during the incident.
The council said the woman was carrying a cigarette lighter and some staff were splashed with petrol.
Acting general manager Shayne Harris said he planned to investigate the woman's claim with animal control officers.
He said the woman was known to council staff and has been trespassed from the building before.
The woman was taken into custody and is likely to appear in court today on a number of charges.
However Manawatu mayor Margaret Kouvelis said she did not want the district council to take extra security measures.
She said the woman was angry over her dog being impounded and was trespassed from the building last Friday.
