Dog control officers not happy with Hide’s review
Jessica Wauchop
ANY relaxation on dog laws from a review planned by Local Government Minister Rodney Hide would make the work of local animal control officers “very difficult”.
Microchipping, which was questioned by Mr Hide, has had excellent results locally, says Gisborne District Council chief animal control officer Pat Collins.
“I believe any dog owner who is not prepared to provide a lifetime ID for their dogs is not a responsible owner,” said Mr Collins.
“Mr Hide needs to be aware that the lack of dog control, or the relaxation of what is in place now, would equate to allowing the public to wander around New Zealand with loaded and cocked firearms.”
Mr Hide announced a wide ranging review of dog laws this week. Everything would be up for debate including registering owners to banning some breeds and whether microchipping is working or not.
There should be a greater emphasis on freedom, he said.
Mr Collins disagreed with a review and said the current dog laws were appropriate and worked well if administered correctly.
“The changes suggested by Mr Hide would make our work very difficult,’’ he said.
‘‘Prior to the current Dog Control Act, animal control officers had (to work with) weak legislation which resulted in people and livestock being hurt.
“There is clear evidence that the microchipping of dogs is effective.
“Of the 1000 or so dogs impounded by GDC annually, if they were all microchipped we would not be destroying a big percentage because we would be able to identify the owners and place the responsibility on them.”
Microchipping helped animal control officers on two occasions when dogs being held in the pound for upcoming court cases were busted out by their owners.
Officers were able to find the dogs and identify them and their owners “without a doubt”.
The owners were then charged, he said.
Mr Hide wanted to look into national laws for dog owners and was concerned councils were taking their powers too far.
GDC environment and planning manager Hans van Kregten said dog laws should be determined and enforced by the local council.
“It gives the council the opportunity to tailor its policies and bylaws to the local conditions and wishes of the local community. In Gisborne this has been working well,” said Mr van Kregten.
“As an example, we have specific rules for multiple dog ownership and we let dogs run along beaches off the lead for most of the year, subject to conditions.
“Our enforcement practices also fit local circumstances,’’ he said.
‘‘It is hard to see why national standards are necessary when our local practices work well and surveys show the satisfaction rates of the local community with our animal control functions is high.”