NEWS RELEASE
18 June 2007

Time to register that dog again

It's dog registration time and owners are reminded that payment is due on 1 July.

City Council Animal Control Officer Sam Lawrence says although people sometimes question the need for paying registration there are real benefits to owners and the community for doing so.

"It's really just another way owners can look after their dogs. By paying on time and supplying updated details owners give the Council what it needs to be able to return lost dogs and identify owners. Accurate information on the dog population also allows the Council to plan better for the needs of dogs and dog owners."

Ms Lawrence say the registration fee, which is the same as last year, also goes towards education programmes for schools, dog patrols and attending to complaints, the dog shelter at Moa Point and the overall administration of the Council's dog control programme.

"With about 8000 dog owners in Wellington, the Council would rather people register their dogs for the coming year sooner rather than later and those not registered by Wednesday 1 August will incur a 50 per cent surcharge and be sent an updated account."

Ms Lawrence would also like to remind dog owners of microchipping requirements.

"We are now entering the second year of microchipping so don't forget that if you have a new puppy it needs to be microchipped within two months of registration.

"Microchipping has proven to be very successful for identifying dogs not wearing tags. When dogs that are not wearing their tags are impounded or lost microchips are enabling us to identify the owners and reunite them with their dogs," says Ms Lawrence.

For further details (Wellington City) please contact:

Sam Lawrence, Animal Control Officer, tel 801 3881 or
Katie Jans, Council Communications, tel 021 227 8442.

ENDS

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