Council Concerned at Slow Rate of Dog Registrations

Ruapehu District Council (RDC) is concerned at the slow rate of dog registrations with the total number down by almost 30 percent on the same time last year.

RDC regulation manager Steve Costelloe said that at this time last year 67 percent of all dogs on council’s database had been reregistered while this year it is only 40 percent.

“This is despite council having introduced a new dog registration fee structure that provides an even greater incentive for dog owners to pay on time and meet other legal and good dog owner obligations.”

“Dog owners only have until the end of the month (July 31) to take advantage of these discounts.”

“Anyone registering their dog after 1 August will be paying more,” he said.

“The new registration fee model also includes a new ‘hunting dog’ classification developed with the Department of Conservation that applies to pig, goat and deer hunting dogs that are used on the conservation estate.”

“We have also been asking owners of pet dogs to supply a photo of their dog as part of the registration process to assist with ensuring dogs are properly classified and in identifying lost, stolen and wandering dogs.”

“Although not compulsory pet owners who supply a photo qualify for a $25 discount off their registration fee.”

Mr Costelloe said that the new fee model was designed to specifically reward proactive, prompt payment by dog owners rather than penalties for non-compliance which the old pricing model focused on.

“Unfortunately despite the financial incentives offered for on time payment there are always a number of dog owners who need to be chased-up by council,” he said.

“Because the new registration fee model provides even greater financial incentives to register your dog on time we are somewhat surprised that so many dog owners have still not done so and would like to avoid a last minute rush.”

Mr Costelloe said that council would urge all dog owners who have not yet registered their dog for the coming 2015/16 registration year to do so before Friday 31 July when the fee discounts expire.

More information on the 2015/16 dog registration requirements is available from all council offices or our website; www.ruapehudc.govt.nz

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