Early updating of dog details could win free registration fees

Rotorua District Council (RDC) is encouraging dog owners to update their details ahead of the council sending out annual dog registration forms in May, and is offering a number of free dog registrations as an incentive.

The council has three free 2012/13 dog registrations up for grabs in a lucky draw for owners who update their details between now and 30 April.

RDC Customer Centre manager Roanna Dunn says the dog registration period is a heavy peak workload for the council’s Customer Centre as staff will be processing approximately 10,000 dog registrations over an eight week period.

“The dog registration renewal timing coincides with a lot of other council business peaks, such as the rates rebate period, and we want to minimise the potential bottleneck. People have better things to do than stand in queues and so we are encouraging them to get in early.

“It’s a legal requirement for dog owners to register their dogs and the dates for registrations are set by the government, so we can’t change them.”

Ms Dunn says it is also important that dog owners update their details early and keep the council informed so if their dog is picked up by our Animal Control officers they can be contacted easily.

Dog owners can update their details at the RDC Customer Centre, by ringing the council on (07) 348 4199, visit www.rdc.govt.nz, by post or by email to mail@rdc.govt.nz

Winners of the three free annual dog registrations will be drawn on 1 May.