Jacqui Dean
National Party MP

20 June 2006

Dog tax a death sentence

National MP and dog lover Jacqui Dean says the Government's new tax on dog ownership will mean a death sentence for many dogs.

"Animal shelters should prepare for a flood of abandoned pets if Labour's microchipping law is successful. It'll also put pressure on SPCA budgets, because they will be expected to care for, and ultimately destroy, many more dogs.”

There are already reports that SPCAs around the country are being inundated with unwanted dogs due, at least in part, to the looming cost of micro-chipping - up to $100 per dog.

"Load registration on top of that, and Labour is putting dog ownership out of reach of many households on tight budgets,” says Mrs Dean.

"Dogs will be paying for Labour's new tax with their lives. Irresponsible dog owners will still ignore the rules and refuse to get their animal registered or microchipped.

"The stated aim of microchipping is to stop dog attacks. It won't. In the meantime, SPCA staff have the heartbreaking task of putting down healthy dogs and doing the Government’s dirty work.”

ENDS

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