Sandra Goudie
National Party Associate Local Government Spokeswoman

2 July 2006

Labour fails to support disabled

The Labour Government’s failure to exempt disability-assist dogs from microchipping is yet another costly blow to the disability sector, says National’s Associate Local Government spokeswoman, Sandra Goudie.

“This is another unnecessary increased cost for people who rely on their animals to be able to participate in our communities, and which are, to all intents and purposes, working dogs.”

Ms Goudie is commenting on her amendment to microchipping legislation that would have exempted disability dogs.

“During the passage of the bill I introduced an amendment that would have exempted disability-assist dogs, along with farm working dogs. Labour voted it down.

“It was disappointing to see their failure to support the disability sector.

“Not only has this Government placed an unnecessary and unworkable burden on local authorities, but it has increased costs to the disabled.

“Labour has shown it is prepared to push ahead with legislation at any cost, even if has to be at the expense of those with no choice but to pay the price.”

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