3 February 2006

Unregistered dogs seized from Auckland city properties

Auckland City seized five unregistered dogs from properties in the Mt Wellington and Otahuhu areas yesterday morning.

Auckland City's animal control contracts manager, Clare Connell, says the seizures were in response to a continued lack of cooperation from the dogs' owners, who were refusing to register their dogs, in addition to a range of other offences.

"It is vital that dog owners accept legal responsibility for their dogs and follow Auckland City's dog regulations," says Ms Connell. "These particular owners continually refused to register their dogs - the only remaining option for us was to impound the dogs."

Search warrants were obtained in order to impound the dogs and police provided additional support. Previous threatening behaviour from several of the dog owners towards Auckland City's officers made police involvement appropriate.

One owner paid the outstanding registration fees for three dogs while officers were at the property and those dogs were not impounded. However, the owner is liable for an infringement fee of $300 for each unregistered dog for failing to register the animals.

The owners who did not pay the registration while officers were at their properties had their dogs impounded and must pay impoundment fees in addition to the outstanding registration fees before their dogs are returned to them. They are also liable for an infringement fee of $300 for failure to register.

A range of other infringements may also be issued to the owners. Auckland City will be continuing its focus on unregistered dogs over the coming months and urges dog owners to register their pets before they are caught and fined.

"Registration ensures Auckland City has the resources to carry out important dog-related work, including educating the public about dog safety, maintaining a dog shelter, impounding dogs that threaten the community's safety, and patrolling beaches reserves and at-risk streets. It also provides information that helps us resolve complaints quickly and reunite lost and wandering dogs with their owners," says Ms Connell.

All Auckland city dog owners had until 1 August 2005 to register their dogs for the 2005 to 2006 registration year. Those owners who have failed to have their pet registered until now are liable for late fees but can avoid further fines by completing their registration before they are caught.

In the six months to 31 December 2005, Auckland City issued 763 infringement notices for failing to register a dog and made 1,694 visits to properties to check for unregistered dogs.

If you are re-registering your dog and none of your details have changed, you can now register and pay online at www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dogs .

Owners who are registering a new dog for the first time or need an additional form can request one by calling us on (09) 379 2020, visiting an Auckland City service centre or downloading a form from www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dogs .

Registration forms for the 2006 to 2007 registration period, will be sent to all owners in late May this year.

ENDS

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