Owners of Unregistered Dogs Urged to Avoid Infringements

Ruapehu District Council (RDC) is urging dog owners who have still not registered their dog to do so immediately as enforcement action is about to start.

RDC Team Leader Compliance, Brenda Ralph, said that Council had 675 dogs on its database owners that have still not yet re-registered their dogs at this late stage.

“These known unregistered dogs are owned by 391 owners who Council’s Compliance Officers will now start following-up including undertaking site visits to their residence if required,” she said.

“Unfortunately it seems that every year there are a core group of owners that do not register their dogs by due date.”

“It is disappointing to still have this level of non-compliance despite writing to each and every dog owner on the database and advertising the registration period widely.”

“Technically all dogs should have been registered by the end of June; however, Council always gives dog owners until the end of July to register their dogs before any penalties are imposed.”

“Unfortunately, despite the extra month’s leeway it seems that every year we have around the same number of owners who need to be chased along to re-register their dogs.”

“Council is somewhat surprised at this as there are significant financial benefits for dog owners who pay on time and meet other legal and good dog owner obligations.”

Mrs Ralph added that dog owners are responsible for ensuring that they keep council advised of any changes to their dog ownership status such as if a dog has died, they get a new dog, the dog has a new home, or they have changed address, etc.”

“Every council in New Zealand works to the same timetable for dog registrations which is the same year-after-year so any long term dog owner is well aware of the registration requirements.”

“Any dog owner with an unregistered dog is liable to have their dog impounded plus still need to pay the yearly registration fee plus any impounding fees, a late penalty fee with an additional infringement of $300 per dog if the dog remains unregistered.”

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