New measures put bite on irresponsible dog owners

Christchurch dog owners must take greater responsibility under new by-laws which come into force on 1 July. The Christchurch City Council has developed tougher regulations under the Dog Control Act 1996 to ensure people keep their dogs under control. All dogs must be registered and owners of problem dogs can now be classified. When a dog attacks a person, stock, poultry or another domestic animal, the dog will be classed as dangerous and the owner will be charged higher fees, required to neuter or spay the dog and will not be able to give away or sell the dog without Council consent. Owners of offending dogs will receive a probationary classification. Those whose dog or dogs continue to cause problems can be disqualified from owning dogs.

Penalties under the new by-laws include:

• $100 fines for failing to advise a change of address or change of dog ownership;
• $200 fines for not registering or failing to control a dog;
• $400 fines for allowing a dangerous dog out without a muzzle or resisting a dog control officer.

For less serious infringements, owners will receive a warning before being fined. All owners must keep their dogs under control at all times, owners are responsible for removing dog faeces, those with more than one dog need a licence and all owners should ensure that their dogs do not cause a nuisance by persistent barking.

For more information on the new dog control by-laws and your responsibility as a dog owner, contact the Christchurch City Council's Animal Control Section, 941 6643.

July 1997 City Scene ~ City Scene Archive