The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Tasman District Council for treating family pets like major infrastructure projects, after a local dog owner was slapped with a jaw-dropping $1,400 fee for a resource consent just to keep three dogs on his rural property.

“In Tasman, puppies now need planning permission,” says Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Tory Relf.

“Since when did the council decide dogs are a consenting activity? What’s next – building consent for a kennel? LIM reports on Labradors?”

"According to RNZ, the owner was shocked to learn that having more than two dogs on her lifestyle block required a process usually reserved for housing developments or sewage treatment plants."

“We love dogs, but this policy’s gone walkies. A council that thinks someone needs to file paperwork and fork out over a grand just to give a home to a pup needs to have its head checked, preferably by a vet.”

The Taxpayers’ Union is urging Tasman District Council to roll over on this ridiculous regulation.

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