29 June 2004

Dog Control Vital On Conservation Lands

Dog control regulations in areas of high conservation value managed by the Department of Conservation should be well-publicised and clear, said New Zealand First conservation spokesperson Edwin Perry.

“Two recent incidents in the Nelson Lakes National Park highlight the need for action.

“Nine kiwi were reintroduced into bush on the western side of Lake Rotoiti and within the next 10 days a pig dog was reported lost on the northern side of the lake and two men were seen with a dog near where the kiwi were released,” said Mr Perry.

“The pig hunter met his obligations in reporting his dog lost but the members of the public who took their dog into the park without a permit may not have been aware that they left themselves open to a maximum fine of $10,000 or a period of imprisonment.

“The havoc which can be created by uncontrolled dogs is well documented. DoC needs to have detailed dog control plans with clear penalties for non-compliance and should not be backward in prosecuting people who choose to break the law in this regard,” said Mr Perry.

ENDS

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