City Scene - August 2000: Responsible Dog Owner status

August 2000

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Children's Festival

Responsible Dog Owner status — what does it mean?

Christchurch’s Pannekoek family, which includes Labrador crosses Sam and Jordy, is among the approximately 15,000 city residents who have Responsible Dog Owner status.

They fulfill a list of criteria set out by the City Council, including:

Owning a dog that has not been impounded, chased or returned home by Animal Control staff.
Registering dogs and keeping them on suitably fenced properties.
Controlling their dogs by means of a leash while being walked on the road.
Removing any droppings in public places immediately.

Lorelle Pannekoek says that being an RDO owner makes you more aware. “Responsible Dog Owners are rewarded at registration time by having their fees reduced, especially if they have two dogs.”

Having two dogs means you must also apply for a Two or More Dog licence.

They pay a total $62 in registration fees for 11-year-old Sam and two-year-old Jordy.

But if they didn’t have RDO status and their pooches were not neutered, they would pay $140.

Applying for, and being given, RDO status doesn’t mean dog owners can rest on their laurels.

If their dogs end up in the animal shelter or commit some other dog crime, the owners lose their status — and its privileges — for up to two years.

Application forms for Responsible Dog Owner status are available from Council offices.

For more information contact the Animal Control team on 941 6643 or contact them on their web site www.ccc.govt.nz/animals/

pic: Gaining and maintaining Responsible Dog Owner status means the Pannekoeks have to make an extra effort with their pets, but the rewards are worth it. From left are Anneka (7), Martin, Jonathon (9) and Lorelle with Jordy (front) and Sam.