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Animal Control

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 (eg, barking), and aggressive behaviour by dogs towards people, stock, and domestic animals. The aim is 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.

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 $3,000 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.

Registration:

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

You must register your dogs by August 31 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.

The current fees are:

• Standard $65
• Menacing $105

(Discounts are available for early payment)

If you want to keep more than 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 from the Council office on Queen Street.

Microchipping:

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 are provided by vets.

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. 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.

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.

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

Further Info is published in the Adobe Reader format. You will need to install the Adobe Reader program on your computer in order to read them. If you do not already have the Adobe Reader installed you can download it from the Adobe website.

• Dog Control Report for the year ending 30 June 2008
• Dog Control Report for the year ending 30 June 2009
• Dog Control Report for the year ending 30 June 2010
• Dog Control Report for the year ending 30 June 2011
• Long Term Dog Control Activity (as in LTCCP)
• Action Plan for Dog Control Infrastructure Projects and Activities