Public urged to comment on dog safety

New Zealanders are being asked to provide input into a review of the country’s current dog control policy.

The government wants to improve the legislation in order to ensure dog control and public safety around dogs.

A discussion document has been provided by government as a starting point for the changes. It invites feedback on issues such as what constitutes a dangerous dog, should dangerous dogs be destroyed, and should more dogs be neutered?

Taupo District Council’s Animal Management Supervisor, Cherry Hewitt, says Council will be preparing a submission but she also encourages local residents to respond to the government’s suggestions.

“Feed back on these issues from the general public is essential as there are suggestions for some substantial changes to the existing legislation,” says Ms Hewitt. “Examples of this include reducing the time unregistered dogs are held in a pound before they may be disposed of, dog owner licensing and requirement that owners increase the standard of containment of their dog.”

The discussion document, “Improving Public Safety Under the Dog Control Act 1996”, is available from the Department of Internal Affairs on www.dia.govt.nz/dogcontrol, or from the Taupo District Council. Submissions close on Monday 31 March, 2008.