If you own a dog, please be a responsible owner is the key message from the Wairoa District Council.

While most dog owners are compliant, Council officers are concerned there are some dog owners who need to ensure they are meeting their obligations.

There has been a recent spate of dog nuisance complaints including abandoned dogs at homes, wandering dogs, dog bites and dog rushing.

Wairoa District Council interim chief executive Kitea Tipuna said the recent incidents are a timely reminder that dog owners need to keep their dogs under control at all times.

“Dogs must be under control so they cannot freely leave their property and when out walking must be restrained by a lead in public places and designated lead areas.

“A big thank you to those owners who have been compliant at home and in the community, this shows good owner responsibility and sets the right example for others.

“Having a dog under control helps avoid serious dog attacks on people, or other dogs. Owners of dogs, need to look at the wellbeing and safety of everyone in the community.”

Mr Tipuna said Council has created a Selected Dog Owner Policy to reward responsible dog owners who are complying with Dog Control Policy and Dog Control Bylaw.

Selected owner applications need to be in by May 1, and if successful, selected owners will receive a 10% discount on dog registration, on top of Council’s early payment discount.

“We want to encourage responsible dog owners and anyone who meets the requirements, which is basically complying with the policy and bylaw, should head to our council website page and apply to be a selected dog owner.”

The annual dog registration period will start from July 1 and all dogs must be registered by August 31.

Anyone who owns a dog, or puppy from the age of three months, must register their dog and the registration tag needs to be attached to the dog’s collar. All non-working dogs must be microchipped to ensure permanent identification of the dog.

Anyone who would like further information around being a responsible dog owner should phone the Council on 06 838 7309 and talk to a compliance team member.

21 April 2021

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