DOG OWNERS Handbook
2020/2021
The Dog Owners Handbook is revised and issued on 1 July annually.
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Contents
5 1. Obligations of a dog owner
6 2.Classificationofownersanddogs
7 3. Fees
8 4. What your registration fee pays for
8 4.1Responsetocomplaints
8 4.2Performancetarget
8 4.3Educationprogramme
8 4.4 Registration
8 4.5Impoundingandpoundfacilities
9 4.6Prosecutions*
10 5.Microchipping
11 6.Infringementfeeoffences(instantfines)
11 6.1DogControlAct1996offencesrelatingtoregistration
12 7. Hydatids
12 8. Safe feeding
13 9.Barking
13 9.1Howtostopproblembarking
13 9.2Topreventexcessivebarking
14 10. The aggressive dog
14 10.1 What should I do if an aggressivedogattacksme?
14 10.2Whatifmydogattackssomeoneonmyproperty?
14 10.3Whatifmydogattacksaperson,anotherdogorcat?
15 11. Control
15 11.1 Dog pound fees
15 11.2Ifyourdogismissing
16 11.3 Care of your dog’s health
16 11.4 Welfare
16 11.5 Holidays
17 12.WherecanIwalkmydog?
17 12.1 Dog prohibited areas
18 12.2Leashcontrolledareas
18 12.3Areaswheredogscanbeexercisedunleashedbutundercontinuouscontrol
19 13.Keepingthreeormoredogsonapropertylessthanonehectare(urbanandruralzones)
20 14. Preferred owner status
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1. Obligations of a dog owner
Theobligationsofdogownersaredefinedas follows:
• Toensurethatthedogisregistered*immediatelyinaccordancewiththeDogControlAct1996, and that all relevant territorial authorities are promptlynotifiedofanychangeofaddress or ownership.
• To ensure that the dog is kept under controlatalltimes.
• Toensurethatthedogreceivespropercareandattentionandissuppliedwithproperandsufficientfood, water and shelter.
• Toensurethatthedogreceivesadequateexercise.
• Toensureannualcheck-upsandvaccinationsareuptodate.
• To take all reasonable steps to ensurethatthedogdoesnotcause
anuisancetoanyotherperson,whether by persistent and loud barking or howling, or by any other means.
• To take all reasonable steps to ensure that the dog does not injure, endanger,orcausedistresstoanyperson.
• To take all reasonable steps to ensure that the dog does not injure, endanger,orcausedistresstoanystock,poultry,domesticanimalorprotectedwildlife.
• To take all reasonable steps to ensure that the dog does not damageorendangeranypropertybelonging to any other person.
• TocomplywiththerequirementsoftheDogControlAct1996, and of all regulationsandbylawsmadeunderthisAct.
*All dogs mustberegisteredby 3 months of age
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2.Classificationofowners and dogs
Owner classifications
• General owner
• Probationary owner
• Disqualifiedowner
Dog classifcations
• Menacingdogclassification
• Dangerousdogclassification
• Domesticdog
• Working dog
• Ruraldomesticdog
• Preferred owner status
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3. Fees
Dog registration fees are set by Council annually on 1 July. For current fees and charges, refer to Council’s website: www.tararuadc.govt.nz
Definition of working dogs
TararuaDistrictCouncilAnimalControlrecognisesthefollowingthebreedsofdogs as standard working dog breeds:
• Huntaway
• Heading Dog
• BorderCollie
• Smithfield
• Kelpie
• Australian Cattle Dog
Dogs that are used for hunting or pest controlarenotclassedasworkingdogs.Shouldyouwishtoclaimanyotherbreed of dog as a working dog, you mayberequiredtoprovideapracticaldemonstrationofthedog’sability.
“Working dog”means:
Keptsolelyorprincipallyforthepurposesofherdingordrivingstock.
“Stock”means:
(a)Anylivehorse,cattle,sheep,swine,alpaca,llama,bison,donkey,hinny,mule,orwaterbuffalothatisnotina wild state.
(b)Anydeer,goat,thar,rabbit,opossum,orotheranimalthatiskeptwithinafenceorenclosurefordomesticorfarmingpurposes.
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4. What your registration fee pays for
4.1 Response to complaints
• Barkingdogs.
• Wandering dogs.
• Dogscausingtraffichazard.
• Dogsfoulingonpublic/privateland.
• Dogsscavenginginrubbish.
• Dogsdamagingproperty.
• Attacksonpeople,domesticpets,stock,orprotectedwildlife.
4.2 Performance target
Complaintstobedealtwithwithintheprioritiesofdangerandpublicsafety.
4.3 Education programme
• Visitstoschoolswhenrequested.
• Provideinformationpamphlets.
• Initiateeducationofownerswithproblemdogs.
4.4 Registration
• Keepinganup-to-daterecordofdogswithinthedistrict.
• Sighting unregistered dogs in preparationforprosecution.
• Issuinginfringementnoticeswhereapplicable.
• HavingalllocaldatauploadedtotheNational Dog Database.
4.5 Impounding and pound facilities
• MaintenanceofanaccuratePoundRegister.
• Notifying known dog owners if their dogisimpounded.
• Impoundingroamingdogs.
• Re-homingsuitabledogstosuitableowners.
• Destructionanddisposalofunclaimeddogs.
24 hours, 7 days a week
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4.6 Prosecutions*
• Dogsattackingpersons/animals.
• DogControlActandBylawoffences.
• Failure to register.
• Failuretocontroldog.
• Barkingdog.
*ForoffencesrelatingtoregistrationundertheDogControlAct1996,refertoSection6.1 of this handbook.
Give your dogsome
t ys toamuse
itself if left alone
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5.Microchipping
As of 1 July 2006 all newly registered dogsarerequiredtobeimplantedwithafunctioningisostandardmicrochiptransponder.Yourvetclinicwillbeabletoassist you with this. It is a good idea to get thisdoneatthesametimeasyourdog’svaccination.Workingdogsareexempt,
butitisagoodideatochipthemincaseoftheft,orifthedogslipsitscollar.
Alldogsthatareimpoundedandare unregistered, or any dog that is impoundedforasecondtimeanddoesnothaveamicrochip,arealsorequiredtobemicrochippedbeforerelease.
It’s a good idea to microchip your working dog
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6.Infringementfeeoffences (instantfines)
ThereareaseriesofoffencesthataresubjecttofinesorcanbeputbeforetheCourt.
Thefullfineistobepaidwithin28 days fromreceiptofthenotice.
6.1 Dog Control Act 1996 offences relating to registration
Section 41 – Penalty for false statement relating to application for registration
Everypersoncommitsanoffenceandisliableonsummaryconvictiontoafinenotexceeding$3,000who,inmakinganapplicationfortheregistrationofadog,makesanywrittenstatementknowingthatstatementtobefalse.
Section 42 – Offence of failing to register dog
(1) Everypersoncommitsanoffenceandisliableonsummaryconvictiontoafinenotexceeding$3,000 who is the owner of a dog of a greater age than 3monthsunless the dog is registered under this Actforthecurrentregistrationyear.
(2) Ifaterritorialauthorityhasreasonablegrounds to believe that a person has failedtocomplywithsubsection(1),adogcontrolofficerordograngermay—
(a) seizeandimpoundthedog;and
(b)forthepurposesofparagraph(a),enter,atanyreasonabletime,anylandorpremises(exceptadwellinghouse)occupiedbytheownerofthedog.
Section 65 – Infringement offences
(1) InthisAct,infringementoffencemeansanoffencespecifiedinSchedule1.
(2)Whereanypersonisallegedtohavecommittedaninfringementoffence,thatpersonmayeither—
(a) beproceededagainstsummarilyfortheoffence;or
(b)beservedwithaninfringementnoticeasprovidedinsection66.
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8. Safe feeding
• Never feed raw offal to your dog. Offal mustbeboiledfor30minutesbeforefeeding to dogs.
• Alwaysfreezesheeporgoatmeatto-10°Cforsevendaysorcookthroughout.
• Donotletyourdogscavenge.Ownersmustensuredogsarecontrolledsotheyarenotabletoaccessoffalincarcassesthatmaybelyingundetectedon properties.
7. Hydatids
NewZealandhasbeendeclaredprovisionally free of hydatids. Continued controlsandvigilancearenowneededtostop the disease returning.
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9.Barking
9.1 How to stop problem barking
Barkingcanarisefromboredomorfromseekingattention.Barkingmayoccurasasign that an intruder is about, or through excitementwhenplaying,butadogwillrarely bark without there being a reason. Thedogbarkingfromboredomortoseekcompanycanbeasourceofgreatirritation.Askneighbourstomonitoryourdogifitisleftathomealone.
9.2 To prevent excessive barking
• Keepyourdogoccupied.
• Ensurethatthedogiscomfortable.
• Ensurethatthedogisexercisedregularly.
• Ensurethatthedoghastoystoamuseitself if left alone – e.g. bones, balls, andfamiliarobjects.
• Leave the dog with friends or have neighbours visit the dog while you are out.
• House the dog so that it is unable to see things to bark at.
• House the dog near other pets for companionship.Evenacagedbirdcanbecompanyforadog.
Ifyourdog’sbarkingcreatesanuisancecausingneighbourstocomplain,andyoudonotcomplywiththeAnimalControlOfficer’sinstructionstoabatethenuisance,yourdogmayberemovedfromyourproperty.
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10. The aggressive dog
10.1 What should I do if an aggressive dog attacks me?
1. DONOTRUN!Itmaytriggerthedog’shuntinginstincts.
2. Tryspeakingquietlyandfirmlytothedog.
3. Backoffslowly.Donotchallengethedog by staring, but keep the dog in view.
4. Havesomethingtoholdoutbetweenyouandthedog(e.g.removeajacket,useabriefcaseorlaptop)incaseitattemptstobiteyouasyoubackaway.
5. Makenosuddenmovementsandleaveas quietly as possible.
6. NotifyAnimalControlofanyattack.
10.2 What if my dog attacks someone on my property?
Youareinbreachofthelawifyourdogattackssomeone,evenonyourownproperty. Any person with reasonable groundsmustbeabletowalktoyourdoorwithoutbeingattacked.
10.3 What if my dog attacks a person, another dog or cat?
Youareinbreachofthelawifyourdogattacksaperson,stock,poultry,domesticanimalorprotectedwildlife,andyourdogmaybedestroyed.
YourdogmaybeseizedandheldbytheDistrictCouncilifitbelievesthedogisathreat.
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11. Control
Yourdogmustbecontrolledandconfinedinamannerthatitcannotfreelyleaveyourproperty. It is your responsibility to keep your dog on your property.
• Afencedpropertyisthebestsolution.
• Providephysicalexerciseforyourdog.
• Providepositivestimulationforyourdogwithobediencetraining.
11.1 Dog pound fees
Pound fees are set by Council annually on 1 July. For current fees and charges, refer to Council’s website:
www.tararuadc.govt.nz
Dogs are only held for 7 days. After this, thedogbecomesthepropertyofTararuaDistrictCouncilandwillbedisposedofasTararuaDistrictCouncilseesfit.
11.2 If your dog is missing
ContactTararuaDistrictCouncilAnimalControl,assoonaspossible,atanytimeofthe day or week:
Dannevirke 06 374 4080
Eketahuna 06 376 0219
Pahiatua 06 376 0110
Woodville 06 376 0200
• IfAnimalControlimpoundsthedogandtheownercanbeidentified,theownerwillbenotifiedassoonaspossible(byphoneand/ormail).
• Dogs are held for 7 days. After this timetheCouncilmaydisposeofthedogasitseesfit.
• Suitabledogsmaybeavailableforre-homing.
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11.3 Care of your dog’s health
• Ensureyourdogreceivesanannualvaccinationfor:
• Distemper
• Hepatitis
• Kennel Cough
• Leptospirosis
• Parvovirus
• Havearegularwormingprogramme.
• Haveyourdogdesexed.Afemaledogwillnormallycomeinto“season”orbe“onheat”twiceayear.
11.4 Welfare
Foranimalwelfareissuescontact:
RNZSPCA 0800 inspector (0800 467 732)
MPI 0800 008 333
11.5 Holidays
Accommodationforyourdog:
• Decidewhowilllookafteryourdog.
• Boardingkennels–bookinadvance.
• Friends and neighbours – either havesomeonestayinyourhouseorleaveyourdogattheirplace.
• DONOTleaveyourdoghomealone.
Ifyouchoosetotakeyourdogonholidaywith you, ensure that it is okay to have your dog where you are staying and observe thatdistrict’sbylaws.
DONOTleaveyourdoginthecarinthesummeroronawarmday.Yourcarmayreachhightemperaturesveryquicklyevenwiththewindowsdownandyourdogmaydie.
If your dog is left withoutaccesstoproperandsufficientfood, water, or shelter,thenitmaybeseizedbyananimalcontrolofficerorranger.
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12.WherecanIwalkmydog?
Dogsareprohibitedinareaswherethereisintensepublicuseandwherethepresenceofdogsmaydetractfromtheenjoymentoftheareaormaycreateadangertothehealthandsafetyofpeopleinthevicinity.
Exemptions
Certaindogsthatserveaspecialisedfunctionareexemptedfromtheprovisionsofthissection.Thesedogsare:
• Anydisabilityassistdogscarryingoutservicessuchasblind,ordeafassistanceetc,oraccompanyinganypersonengagedinbonafidetraining of the disability assist dog.
• AnydogskeptbythePolice,oranyDepartmentofState,solelyorprincipallyforthepurposesofcarryingoutthefunctionsordutiesofthatdepartment.
• AnydogsownedbyasecurityguarddefinedinSection4 of the PrivateInvestigatorsandSecurityGuardsAct1974 and kept solely orprincipallyforthepurposesofcarryingonthebusinessofasecurityguard.
• Anydogspresentinconnectionwithsearchandrescuetrainingorwork.
12.1 Dog prohibited areas
• Allpublicreserves,wildlifereserves,sportsgrounds,andsportsstadiumssituatedinurban areas.
• AllpubliclibrariesadministeredbytheCouncil.
• Allpublicswimmingbaths.
• AllcemeteriesadministeredbytheCouncil.
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12.2 Leash controlled areas
Withtheexceptionoftheareasdescribedin 12.1above,dogsshallbepermittedinthefollowingplaces,providedtheyareona leash:
Allstreetsintheresidential,commercialor industrial areas of:
Dannevirke
Eketahuna
Norsewood
Ormondville
Pahiatua and Pahiatua River Walkway
Pongaroa
Woodville
12.3 Areas where dogs can be exercised unleashed but under continuous control
Dannevirke:
• Railwayembankment,StanleyStreet.
• Railway reserve, Mangatera (grassedareaatthecornerofRuahine and High Streets – adjacenttoMangateraHotel).
• Upper Wahipai Reserve, High Street(besidetheMangateracarpark,oppositethehotel).
Pahiatua:
• AdesignatedareaatVictoryPark.
Exemptions to dog prohibited areas
• Anyareasspecificallysetasideasdogtoiletingareasordogexerciseareas.
• Anydogattendingaveterinaryclinic.
• Any disability assist dog.
• AnydogkeptbythePolice,oranyconstable,oranyDepartmentofStatewhenusedforthepurposesofcarryingoutthefunctions,powersanddutiesofthePolice,orDepartmentofState.
• AnydogownedbyasecurityguardasdefinedinSection4ofthePoliceInvestigatorsandSecurityGuardsAct1974 when used for the purposes forcarryingoutthebusinessofasecurityguard.
• Anydogpresentinconnectionwithsearchandrescuetrainingorwork.
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13.Keepingthreeormoredogsonapropertylessthanonehectare(urbanandruralzones)
Ifyouwishtokeepthreeormoredogsonan urban property or a rural property that islessthanonehectare,youarerequiredtomakeanapplicationforapermittokeepthreeormoredogs.Workingdogsareexempt.
YoucanobtainanapplicationfromourwebsiteoranyCouncilServiceCentre.
Dogsmustbe kept
under control atalltimes
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For further information please call a Dog Control Officer or visit our website for copies of Council’s Dog Control Policy, Control of Dogs Bylaw, and also the Dog Control Act.
www.tararuadc.govt.nz
Wehaveawiderangeoffreeeducationalmaterial.Pleasecallusifyouwouldlikeinformationoradviceonaparticularsubject.
DannevirkePhone (06)374 4080
EketahunaPhone (06)376 0219
PahiatuaPhone (06)376 0110
WoodvillePhone (06)376 0200
14. Preferred owner status
Councilwishestorecogniseresponsibleownersandoffersareductionintheannualregistrationfee.However,strictcriteriamustbemet.
YoucanobtainanapplicationfromourwebsiteoranyCouncilServiceCentre.