With not long til the end of June deadline, Councillor Calum Penrose says Auckland Council’s menacing dogs amnesty is “the most successful ever undertaken in Auckland”, with 676 dogs already signed up by 610 owners.
Owners of unregistered dogs classified under the Dog Control Act 1996 as “menacing” qualify for the amnesty, which offers a waiver of fines, free registration for 2016/17, de-sexing, microchipping and a muzzle for just $25. The Auckland-wide amnesty expires on 30 June and animal control officers will begin seizing unregistered menacing dogs from 1 July.
“We are serious about reducing dog-related harm in our city. We’ve had a fantastic response so far to our very generous amnesty and I urge dog owners to sign up now because we will not be extending it or offering it again,” says Councillor Penrose, Chair of Auckland Council’s Bylaws and Regulatory Committee.
Individual Auckland councils had previously run amnesties to encourage registration or surrender of dogs, but a comprehensive amnesty on this scale had not been possible before the amalgamation of councils.
Geoff Keber, Manager - Animal Management at the council, says the high response to the amnesty has led to a waiting list for de-sexing operations.
“We have now had about 95 dogs de-sexed and are contacting those on the waiting list to let them know that this huge demand means there may be a bit of a wait.”
He says as long as the owners have registered for the amnesty they will still be covered, even if the de-sexing operations are carried out after 30 June.
Animal Management staff have been walking their dogs at night delivering information leaflets into letterboxes and handing them out in town centres and markets.
“They really want as many people as possible to take up the offer so we don’t have to seize their dogs after 1 July,” says Geoff.
“Several people have commented that the process is really smooth and they are relieved that their dog is now “legal” and they won’t be fined or have the dog taken off them. They also appreciate the advice that Animal Management staff are giving them. We are hoping that this is an on-going relationship,” he says.
More information about the Menacing Dogs Amnesty is available from Auckland Council on 0800 462 685.
