Media Release
16 January 2004

Recent Dog Attacks Brings Plea For Dog Owners To Comply With Act

Manukau City Council again reminds all dog owners of their responsibilities under the Dog Control Act following five dog attacks since Christmas.

Chairman of Council’s Environmental Management Committee Noel Burnside says “All of these attacks involved injury to people. Two of them were children, one a four year old and the other a nine year old. Because it is the school holidays there are more children out and about in the neighbourhood.

“With another week of the holidays still to go I would like to remind dog owners of their responsibilities under the Act and the need to make sure their dogs are adequately contained and under control. Parents should also take time to educate their children as to what is appropriate behaviour around dogs and the danger of approaching unknown dogs,” warns Mr Burnside.

In all five incidents Council’s animal management contractors Direct Service Solutions seized and impounded the dogs and Council is now proceeding with charges against the dog owners.

When exercising their dogs outside their property, with the exception of Council’s designated exercise areas, owners must make sure their dogs are on a leash at all times.

The key message for all dog owners this summer is:

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP YOUR DOG UNDER CONTROL AT ALL TIMES!

For more information , including where dog owners can take their dog and where dogs must be on a leash, visit Council’s website at www.manukau.govt.nz or call Council’s 24hr call centre on Ph 262 5104.

ENDS

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