Act and NZ First delay changes to dog laws

Act and NZ First have played petty politics and delayed changes to dog control laws, Local Government Minister Chris Carter said today.

“Act leader Richard Prebble and NZ First MP Dail Jones both objected to the Government’s motion to refer the Local Government Law Reform Bill (No.2) to the Local Government and Environment select committee today,” Mr Carter said.

“The Government wanted to use the Bill to speed up changes to dog control legislation that may flow from my review of the law currently underway.

“Unfortunately thanks to the petty efforts of Act and NZ First the public of New Zealand will now have to wait longer for greater protection from vicious dogs. I am saddened and disappointed by the actions of the Opposition and I think John Anderson, Carolina Anderson’s father, has every right to demand an explanation from them when he comes to meet the Prime Minister and I tomorrow.”

Mr Carter said the Government would now draft a completely new Bill as fast as it could, once the review was completed.

“I cannot understand Act and NZ First’s reasoning on this issue. It seems confused and contradictory, and will undoubtably slow Parliament’s ability to make changes.“

He said that in refering the existing Bill to select committee the Government was taking swift action whilst ensuring that the public of New Zealand got to participate in consulation and discussion about dog control.

“We want effective law and the best way to get that is to get a range of opinions and have a proper examination of the issues so we can ensure we end up with a law that works. The select committee would have allowed this to happen immediately.”

“If only Act and NZ First had stopped grandstanding for a few minutes and contemplated the wellbeing of the public.”

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