February 1, 2006

Council gets tough on unregistered dogs

North Shore City Council is getting tough on owners who have not registered their dogs, and will begin issuing fines this month to those who have not done so.

The council's environmental team leader, Warwick Robertson, says this year the problem appears to be worse than usual.

"We are well into the second half of the registration year, which begins July 1, but a large number of owners have still to re-register their dogs," he says.

Every dog over the age of three months must be registered every year. Costs range from $70 to $110. Making sure dogs are registered is in the owner's interest, says Mr Robertson.

"Among other things, it ensures the dog can be identified if found straying, and entitles the owner to free dog obedience classes." Dog owners can also make substantial savings (of up to 50 per cent) by registering their pets early, and in full. They can also qualify for a discount by becoming a 'responsible dog owner', which entails completing a course run by North Shore Dog Control.

Owners of unregistered dogs are liable to fines of $300 or more, in addition to the registration fee for the current year. Under the Dog Control Act, fines of up to $1,500 can be imposed.

"We will soon be supplying a list of unregistered dogs to our animal control officers, who will be making house calls," says Mr Robertson.

Anyone wanting to know more about dog registration, looking after their pet, and North Shore City dog bylaws, should visit the council's website at www.northshorecity.govt.nz, or phone Actionline on 486 8600 and ask for a copy of the booklet 'Responsible Dog Ownership in North Shore City'.

ENDS

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