AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL
MEDIA RELEASE

18 July 2006

Dangerous and menacing dogs first for microchipping

Auckland City is taking a low priority approach to the new microchipping regulations and will be focusing mainly on dangerous and menacing dogs.

Dog microchipping regulations came into effect on 1 July 2006. Last week Auckland City’s Planning and Regulatory committee members expressed concern about the extra cost to dog owners involved with microchipping dogs and instructed staff to give microchipping low priority.

Jackie Wilkinson, Auckland City’s service request manager, said in order to comply with the committee’s direction, a new policy that focuses on public safety is being drafted.

“With this new regime there will be less focus on new dogs and puppies needing to be microchipped and more attention paid to aggressive dogs.

“All dogs classified as menacing or dangerous since December 2003 are therefore the top priority for microchipping. All dogs already classified as menacing or dangerous under the Dog Control Act must be microchipped within two months of 1 July 2006. If the dog is classified after this date it must be microchipped within two months of the owner being notified of the classification,” Ms Wilkinson said.

Owners not complying with this microchipping requirement may receive infringement notices and could face prosecution.

The purpose of the national microchipping regulations is to provide a simple way linking dogs to their owners while making dog control easier and more effective.
The Dog Control Act specifies that all dogs registered for the first time on or after 1 July 2006 must be microchipped within two months of being registered. Jackie Wilkinson suggests dog owners get their dogs microchipped by their vet when they take their dog for their vaccinations or neutering because it will be cheaper than if the procedures were done separately.

“Microchipping provides a simple way of identifying your dog in the unfortunate event of it getting lost and losing its collar. Having the procedure done at a regular appointment with your vet will not only save you time but also money because your vet will offer a reduced fee.”

From 1 July, dogs must be microchipped if they are impounded while unregistered or if they are registered and impounded twice. Auckland City charges $35 to recover the costs of this microchipping.

ENDS

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