Wairoa District Council

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Dog Control

OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITY

This activity is responsible for the enforcement of regulations relating to the keeping, welfare and control of dogs within the Wairoa District. Council is required under the Dog Control Act to make provision for the control of dogs and the damage they can cause. Impounding of dogs is an activity required by the provisions of the Dog Control Act 1996 and associated Wairoa District Council Dog Control Bylaws and Dog Control Policy.

DOG CONTROL

Under Section 20 of the Dog Control Act 1996, owners are responsible for keeping their dog under control at all times. Failure to comply is an offence with a fine of up to $20,000 or an infringement fee of $300.

This means controlling dogs on private property within physical limits (fencing, kennels, indoors), or by command and on a lead in all public areas.

DOG CARE

Under Section 54 of the Dog Control Act 1996, owners must ensure their dog receives proper care and attention. This means adequate food, water, shelter and exercise.

Failure to comply is an offence with a jail term of three months or an infringement fee of $5,000.

EXISTING SITUATION

Council administers the Dog Control Act 1996 and relevant bylaws, which require dogs to be registered, cared for and kept under proper control. Dog Control responsibilities mostly entail investigation of complaints about unregistered dogs, nuisances caused by dogs (barking), and aggressive behaviour by dogs towards people, stock, and domestic animals, and the resolution of such complaints through education and, where necessary, enforcement. Annual property inspections are also undertaken to ensure animal welfare, to check registration and to update owners on any changes to legislation.

Council currently leases one dog pound, located at the QRS Depot in Kaimoana Road, Wairoa. The pound is retained for impounding purposes. It is generally maintained by the Dog Control Officer, who will call in contractors for any maintenance work that is beyond routine.

REGISTRATION - INTRODUCTION

Registration fees are used to maintain a safe and healthy environment for residents, dog owners and their pets. The Council does not profit from dog fees.

Fees pay for:

dog control and law enforcement
campaigns and education in schools, community groups and businesses
signage for exercise areas and canine promotional materials
administering the dog pound Kaimoana Road
administering the dog register, application forms and tag distribution

REQUIREMENTS

You must register your dogs by 1 July every year. All dogs must be registered by three months of age. Owners of unregistered dogs face fines up to $3,000 (or an infringement fee of $300) in addition to the registration fee. Registrations can be applied for and are payable at Wairoa District Council. Council sets the fee associated with the annual registration of your dog.

If you want to keep two dogs on an urban property, you also need to apply for a special bylaw licence.

You can obtain registration application forms and bylaw licence forms at your local Council Service Centre.

MICROCHIPPING

From 1 July 2006 new legislation comes into effect meaning all new puppies need to be microchipped within two months of when they are registered.

Farm dogs used mainly for herding and driving stock are exempt from microchipping.

You will also need to microchip your dog if:

you are registering your dog in New Zealand for the first time (this mainly applies to puppies)
your dog is classified as dangerous
your dog is classified as menacing
your unregistered dog is impounded for the first time from 1 July 2006
your registered dog has been impounded for the second time from 1 July 2006.

Microchipping has been introduced by Parliament to make it easier to track down dogs that get lost and to identify dangerous dogs.

Microchipping services may be provided by vets with councils then verifying the microchipping.

Failure to microchip your dog if it falls into one of the microchipping categories could result in prosecution and a $3,000 fine.

CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP

On change of ownership, both the previous and new owner must give 14 days notice in writing to Wairoa District Council (and any other relevant Council). The new owner must also complete a registration form.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

If you move to another Council district, you have 14 days to notify both authorities of your new address.

REFUNDS

If your dog dies and you have paid for current registration, you can make a written request for a refund. The Council will give you whatever remaining portion of the yearly rate remains after notification. You must also return the tag and/or provide proof from your vet.

To find out more about Wairoa District Council Dog Control you can contact Doug Waugh at Wairoa District Council on (06) 838 7309.

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