A major milestone has been reached in a bid to get menacing dogs in Auckland registered, de-sexed and micro-chipped.
Just two weeks into Auckland Council’s 10-week amnesty on menacing dogs, yesterday saw the 200th dog booked into the programme, a milestone that has exceeded expectations.
Auckland Council Manager Animal Management, Geoff Keber, says he couldn’t be happier with how the campaign is going and how many people have taken up the offer in such a short timeframe.
“Literally within hours of the announcement, we had people bringing their dogs forward and others phoning to learn more about it.
“Initially we were hoping for around 200 dogs over the duration of the programme so it’s fantastic that we have already reached that goal with eight weeks still to go.”
“Other councils around New Zealand have also contacted us to learn more about it,” says Mr Keber.
The amnesty will run until 30 June 2016 and is available to owners of menacing dogs which are not registered for the 2015/2016 year. If the dog is registered prior to 1 July 2016, the council will waive the registration fee for the 2016/2017 year.
Fines waived
During the 10-week amnesty period, dog owners who have failed to register their dogs until now will have the $300 failure to register fine waived.
The amnesty will also provide de-sexing, micro-chipping and muzzles for a nominal $25 fee. After one year, the council will provide a Responsible Dog Owner License to candidates that qualify.
Dogs can be classified as menacing under the Dog Control Act if they either have an aggressive nature or commit an aggression-related offence.
Alternatively, dogs can be classified as menacing if they are wholly or predominately an American Pit Bull Terrier type dog or the Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario.
Reducing harm in vulnerable communities
Councillor Calum Penrose, Chair of the Regulatory and Bylaws Committee, says the positive response to the amnesty will go a long way towards reducing harm in vulnerable communities.
“Having two hundred dogs signed up in just two weeks is incredible. If this momentum continues, we would hope to see this reflected positively in dog bite and attack statistics in the longer term,” he says.
“We continue to call on the government to strengthen the Dog Control Act to include the compulsory de-sexing of menacing dogs unless lineage can be proven, the certification of owners of menacing dogs and a formal definition of an American Pit Bull Terrier.”
Register by 30 June
Menacing dogs not registered by 1 July 2016 will be targeted in a widespread enforcement campaign and any found will be automatically seized and the owners fined.
Aucklanders still wishing to take up the amnesty offer can phone 0800 462 685, or visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/amnesty for more information.
