AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

Stay safe this summer when playing with your pooch

With summer approaching, you won't be the only one who is keen to get out and about - your dog will be wanting to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air too.

In the interest of safety for both your dog and the public there are a few things you need to remember before you head out the door:

The most important thing is to make sure that your dog is registered.

"The city's dog owners have responded to our calls to ensure their pet is registered, with 92.5% of all known dogs now registered," says Clare Connell, Auckland City's animal contracts manager. "However, we still know of 1346 dogs around the city that are unregistered and we urge their owners to register them as soon as possible. Our officers will carrying out registration checks on all dogs they encounter and owners of those which are unregistered will be fined."

Fees for the 2005 to 2006 registration period were due by 1 August 2005 and late fees are now payable.

Other tips for looking after dogs over summer are:

- Consider de-sexing your pet. A dog that has been neutered or spayed is less likely to roam, fight and bite. Registration is also cheaper for a de-sexed dog.

- Don't leave dogs in a vehicle. They become distressed and can suffer from dehydration very quickly. If you are going out and plan to leave your dog at home, make sure it has plenty of water.

- When going on holiday, arrange for a reliable friend to look after your dog or use a pet care service or kennel to make sure that your dog receives regular and adequate feeding, exercise and companionship. Every year, Auckland City is notified of cases of pets abandoned when their owners go on holiday without them.

- When taking your dog for a walk, make sure it is on a leash at all times, except when in a designated dog exercise area. For information on where dog exercise areas can be found in Auckland City, visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dogs or call 379 2020.

- If you're looking for a dog for yourself or want to give one as a Christmas present, visit the SPCA or go to www.petsonthenet.co.nz where you'll find many dogs looking for a home. Remember that a dog demands plenty of space, time, love and patience. Owning a dog is a long-term commitment - cute puppies develop into fully grown dogs that on average live for eight to ten years.

For a wide range of information relating to dogs, including registration, exercise areas, tips on caring for your dog and much more visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dogs.

ENDS

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