Changes to dog control – a chance to have your say

Published on 06 October 2014

6 October 2014

The Wanganui District Council is reviewing its Dog Control Policy and is seeking public feedback.

In response to recent concerns about the control and welfare of dogs, the community is invited to take part in a web survey ahead of the formal consultation on the policy. The survey asks for feedback on the issues people find of most concern and how the Council and community can improve the control and welfare of dogs.

The feedback from the web survey will contribute to a second workshop with Wanganui District Councillors before the formal consultation process begins. The Dog Control Policy is one of a number of policies the Council is reviewing.

Deputy Strategy and Development Manager Jonathan Barrett says animal control staff are also “toughening up” on people who are not adhering to the current Dog Control Policy.

“The community is telling us they want to see irresponsible dog owners held accountable for their dog’s behaviour through a more rigorous approach to dog control and welfare issues.

“Starting this week, dog owners who have not paid their registrations for this year will be issued with an infringement. They will then have 28 days to contact the Council to pay the registration fee or agree to a payment plan, in which case the infringement will be waived. After 28 days the infringement will stand and dogs which are still unregistered will be uplifted by animal control officers.”

Mr Barrett also said dogs classified by the Council as menacing or dangerous must be on a lead and muzzled while in public.

“Animal control officers will be doing spot checks to make sure dog owners adhere to these regulations.”

The survey is available here and closes on Monday, October 13.