Animal Control
Stock Control and Keeping of Poultry, Bees and Pigs Bylaw
Dog Registration Fees
Dog Registration Information
Why Do You Need to Register Your Dog?
Dog Micro Chip Information
Stock Control and Keeping of Poultry, Bees and Pigs Bylaw 2005
This Bylaw applies throughout the District and is effective from 13 July 2005. The purpose of the Bylaw is to make better provision for the control of stock and the keeping of other animals.
In respect of stock, the Bylaw lays down requirements for Stock droving, roadside grazing and temporary fencing requirements, as well as placing obligations to be met in respect of Dairy Stock crossing roadways.
Dog Registration Fees
Our animal control officers are responsible for requirements pertaining primarily to dogs and stock. They do however deal with complaints in respect of most types of animals. Their goal is the mitigation of animal nuisances through the promotion of responsible ownership and the enforcement of relevant legislation and bylaws.
Click here for Fees for 2008/09 and Bylaws.
Dog Registration Information
The registration year runs from July 1 to June 30 the following year.
All applications for re-registrations should be made by June 30, however payment can be received until July 31. Registration fee payments not made by 31st July annually will incurr a 50% late fee penalty payment.
If someone is caught with an unregistered dog there is an instant fine, plus a penalty fee to register the dog. The owner of the dog has 28 days to pay the fine. A reminder notice is then sent and a further 28 days is given. If no payment is made, court action will be taken. Payment by installment can be arranged through the Council, but the penalty registration fee still has to be paid in full.
To register your dog contact a Council Customer Service Centre.
Why Do You Need to Register Your Dog?
It allows us to keep an up-to-date register of dogs, which is also a legal requirement. This helps in controlling dogs and actioning complaints.
It allows us to locate dog owners when a dog is impounded or injured.
Dog Microchip Information
What is a "microchip"?
A microchip carries a number unique to your dog. This is very similar to a supermarket barcode reader. A microchip is a transponder, which means it responds to a scanner. It is not a transmitter and has no power source.
The microchip is the size of a grain of rice and is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades. The procedure is as simple as a vaccination.
Which dogs are required by law to be micro-chipped from 1 July 2006?
- Dogs that have been classified as dangerous or menacing by Council
- Dogs impounded unregistered before they are released
- Dogs being registered for the very first time after 1 July 2006, excluding those dogs that are used solely or principally for stock control purposes on a stock farm
- All registered dogs released from Council's Pound, if impounded for the second time
If my dog is not listed above, can I still get it microchipped?
Yes, there are many dogs already microchipped by caring owners. Many exotic or expensive animals are microchipped all over the world. Talk to your local Veterinarian.
What are the benefits of micro-chipping?
If your dog is lost, stolen or has escaped or strayed, it can easily be identified. If your dog is stolen, there is nowhere in New Zealand where it cannot be traced if it is scanned. Every dog that is the subject of a complaint or is impounded will be scanned.
Once my dog is microchipped, will I have to register it?
Microchipping will not replace dog registration. You will still have to register your dog every year.
The Fees pay for:
- Running the Animal Services Department
- Actioning complaints
- Education programmes/material
- Pound facilities
- Legal costs
Fees
Please contact Council's Customer Service Centre for a Dog Owners Information Pamphlet.
Click here for the Fees.