Amnesty for menacing dogs

Owners of menacing dogs are eligible for an amnesty from local councils. File photo.

Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council are joining forces to reduce the risk and harm from dog attacks.

Together they're offering an amnesty to owners of menacing dogs which will see them receive up to $350 worth of neutering, microchipping, a subsidised muzzle and registration, all for free.

The initiative is largely being funded by central government.

The offer runs until June 30 and applies to dogs that have or could be classified as menacing under the Dog Control Act 1996 due to their breed, type or behaviour.

Four breeds (Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa and Perro dePresa Canario) and one type (American Pit Bull Terrier) are automatically classified as menacing dogs. However, any dog that Council considers may pose a threat to any person or animal may also be classified as menacing.

Tauranga City Council animal services team leader Brent Lincoln says over the past two years there were 214 dog attacks in wider Western Bay.

'The sad thing is when a dog does attack, everybody loses. The victim and their family have to deal with the consequences of the injury and the dog owner can lose their pet which is often regarded as a family member. It is the dog owner's responsibility to ensure their dog isn't another statistic.”

The campaign is part of a nationwide attempt to reduce dog attacks in New Zealand, and supports the proposed changes for menacing dog owners under the Dog Control Act.

One of these proposed changes will require all owners of menacing dogs to have them neutered. Western Bay of Plenty District Council's bylaw already requires this.

Neutering a dog has many positive benefits, including that the dog will be less likely to wander and get into fights, says Brent.

'Neutering simply pushes sex drive and fighting down the list of priorities allowing other activities to become more important such as working, hunting, tracking and obedience.”

Western Bay of Plenty compliance and monitoring manager Alison Curtis says the amnesty period gives owners the chance to come forward without repercussion and take advantage of this free offer before it becomes law under the Act.

'In the Western Bay of Plenty there are 301 registered menacing dogs, but the issue is with the unknown number of unregistered menacing dogs. We want to promote responsible dog ownership, and push the message that if you own a high-risk dog you have a higher responsibility – and this package is a great opportunity for owners of high-risk dogs.”

To register for this package, owners of menacing dogs can call Tauranga City Council on 07 577 7000 or Western Bay of Plenty District Council on 07 571 8008, or visit the Council's customer service centres.

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5 comments

Door wide open

Posted on 19-04-2017 08:38 | By The Sage

I hope they aren't going to give them the cash. This will cost a lot to administer too, education of owners would go a long way. How about rewarding the responsible dog owners by giving them a holiday on their next dog registration fees.


Applaud the intent but NOT the methods.

Posted on 19-04-2017 08:59 | By Murray.Guy

Applaud the intent BUT not the methods. there is NO way responsible dog owners should be paying for this initiative in Tauranga City. Tauranga City Council chose to reduce the resident/ratepayer contribution to basically ZIP in regards the cost of animal services (not just dogs) to our city from which we ALL benefit, by increasing dog registration fees. Frankly, it frustrates me that these irresponsible owners should be rewarded with 'free to them' benefits!


A joke

Posted on 19-04-2017 09:06 | By Chris

Does council seriously believe this amnesty will do anything? People own these types of menacing dogs because they want to be menacing people - these mongrel owners don't care about registration, chipping etc. These dogs should be put down on sight, not given amnesty into a laughable scheme that won't work.


100% correct Chris

Posted on 19-04-2017 15:21 | By maildrop

A hair brain scheme dreamt up by some wooly headed hippy who thinks these scumbags are inherently good people but just need encouragement. Joke. A toothless and bolloxless system which is ironic given they want to offer free muzzles and neutering. Thanks for the laughs whichever committee spent many hours thinking of that one.


What

Posted on 24-04-2017 11:13 | By Capt_Kaveman

a joke and a waste of my rates im disgusted that some idot in council think this is a good idea, any dog that attacks people needs to be disposed of final


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