Tairawhiti dogs can now be registered online
Dog owners will not have to line up at Gisborne District Council offices to register their dogs this year. A new service
that allows owners to register their dogs online for the first time was launched this week.
Application to Register Dog forms were send out on Monday (16 June 2014), says Sarwan Kumar, council’s regulatory
services manager.
“On each form is a unique code – right next to the picture of a Dalmatian on a computer. Dog owners need to use that
code to pay their dog registration online by credit or debit card. New dog owners, without a code, will be able to
create a log-in and pay for their dog registration online. Once paid, dog owners will receive registration tags in the
mail. The tags must be worn by the dogs at all times.”
People will be able to see what dogs council has picked up or has in the animal shelter at any time. Replacement tags
can now be ordered and owners can change the dogs address online.
“All dogs, from three months, must be registered by 31 July each year. Any dogs that aren’t registered miss out on the
discount and must pay an extra $20.
Consequently long queues tend to form at council’s customer services counter towards the end of July. Many rural people
make a special trip to town to register their dogs, so I am sure they will welcome this new service.”
It is a dog owner’s responsibility, by law, to register their dog, While animal control staff do follow up with
unregistered dog owners and will impose infringement fines, it is not council’s responsibility to be a reminder service.
Our staff time is better spent focusing on the safety of our community making sure dog owners look after their dogs and
responding to complaints.”
Dog owners will also be able to see what dogs council has picked up or has in the animal shelter at any time.
Dogs online will be part of a suite of services offered through council’s website, says information services manager
Simon Jeune. “The long-term aim is to ensure council’s website is a virtual customer service centre where people can
choose to do business with council where, and when, it suits them.
Currently ratepayers can pay their rates by credit card online.”
“Increasingly customers are expecting to be able to transact and pay for goods and services online, and councils need to
respond to this expectation. Many councils in New Zealand are starting to provide online services and Gisborne District
Council needs to make sure our customers have the same convenience and time saving opportunities.”
ENDS