29 November 2004

Council Gets Tough On Unregistered Dogs

Manukau City Council is putting all owners of unregistered dogs on notice that from 1st December they will be taking a tough stance using new powers under the Dog Control Amendment Act 2003 to immediately seize unregistered dogs.

The tougher stance is a result of the Manukau City's new policy on dogs, which was finalised on 30th September after considering over 650 public submissions.

Barry Gillingwater, director of Council's contractors DSS Animal Management Ltd says, "Owning an unregistered dog will cost you dearly. Not only will we be issuing instant $300 fines, but if owners want to keep their dog they will have to pay registration and impounding fees of over $200 within 7 days of seizure."

Mr Gillingwater says owners of unregistered dogs can avoid losing their dog and receiving a fine by registering their dog NOW. The annual registration fee is $100. Owners can register their dog at Manukau City Council's Citizen's and Customer Centre or by phoning Council's Call Centre on phone 262 5104.

Unregistered dogs make up 23% of the estimated dog population of Manukau but they cause the majority of dog related complaints in the city. They account for 90% of all incidents of roaming dogs and 46% of all dog attacks.

Last year Council received over 5,000 complaints about roaming dogs and 370 complaints relating to dog attacks on people. During this time more than 4,000 dogs were held at Manukau's Animal Shelter.

By taking a tougher approach on unregistered dogs Council will be forcing owners to accept the responsibility of owning a dog. Council also hopes to recover some of the costs to ratepayers and ease any pressure to raise registration fees to responsible dog owners.

ENDS

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