The Council is responsible for the registration and control of dogs and stock within the District.
The Otorohanga District Council through the efforts of its Contractor promotes responsible dog ownership, providing practical advice on issues including:
• Animal Welfare
• Animal Control
• Owners Legal Responsibilities
• Registration
• Nuisance Dogs
• Ranging and Impounding of dogs and stock
Otorohanga has over approximately 2800 canine residents and most of their owners are responsible, and will register, care for, exercise and train their dogs. But some are not - stray dogs, barking dogs, dogs fouling, dogs on beaches, and dangerous or threatening dogs in public places cause many complaints.
Dog Policy
Otorohanga has a Dog Policy which provides a comprehensive code for dog owners in the District. The dog policy is available to the public at the Council Office.
• Dog Control Policy and Bylaw
It is important that all dog owners or people who are thinking about purchasing a new dog are aware of their responsibilities under the Otorohanga District Dog Control Policy and the Dog Control Bylaw. Both of these documents can be viewed at the Otorohanga District Council.
The policy outlines:
Dog access to public places - where dogs are prohibited and where they are allowed.
How registration fees are set-and the incentives for responsible owners.
Enforcement: the Dog Control Act permits probationary classification for owners convicted of a dog-related offence; disqualification of probationary owners who commit further offences; instant fines of up to $400 for owners who don't register their dogs, or allow them to foul public areas or run uncontrolled.
Hours Available
For the Council Office, Monday to Friday except (public holidays) from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. Ph 873 4000 or Toll Free 0800 734 000.
Enquiries for Animal Control/Microchipping/Stock Control/Impounding phone Otorohanga Animal Control Services on 07 873 8334 or 027 447 3884, 24 hours a day.
Dogs can be registered at the Council Office. Dogs moving into town will receive free registration tags if the owner produces proof of current registration.
Fees and Charges
All fees and charges include GST
| Urban Dogs |
$116.00 |
| Urban Neutered Dog or with Special Owner Classification |
$90.00 |
| Urban, Neutered Dog and Special Owner Classification |
$47.00 |
| Rural, Dogs |
$90.00 |
| Rural, Dogs with Special Owner Policy |
$47.00 |
• Urban - Special Owner policy classification is applied to fully fenced sections that are inspected and signed off by the Animal Control Officer.
• Rural - Special owner policy is automatically granted
Dog Registration
The Dog Control Act 1996 requires the Otorohanga District Council to keep a register of all dogs over the age of three months residing within its District.
Therefore the owner of any dog over the age of three months must complete an application to register their dog with the Otorohanga District Council.
• Application Form to Register
• Application for Special Owner Policy Classification
• Change of Dog Registration Details
Microchip Transponders
From 1 July 2006 every dog classified as Dangerous or Menacing since 1 December 2003 must be implanted with a microchip transponder. The microchip must be implanted within two months of the dog being classified.
From 1 July 2006 every dog, which is registered for the first time, must be implanted with a microchip transponder. Evidence of the implant, usually a microchip certificate from the Vet or Otorohanga Animal Control Services must be provided within two months of registration.
If a dog is impounded more than once, it will be required to be microchipped before leaving the pound.
Working Farm Dogs Exempt: Dogs kept solely or principally for the purposes of herding or driving stock are exempt from microchipping.
• Application for working dog declaration
Additional Dogs
A special licence is required to have 2 or more dogs aged 3 months or over at any one time on any one property within the urban area. This does not apply to rural dogs.
• Application for approval to keep more than one dog
Impoundings and Sustenance Fees
| Impounding |
$45.00 per dog
|
| 2nd and subsequent impoundings |
$90.00 per dog and will require to be microchipped before leaving the pound |
| Sustenance fee per dog per day |
$12.00 |
Dogs found roaming in any public place or on another persons property, whether or not they are wearing collars or properly registered, may be impounded. Fees are payable in respect of impounded dogs and may require dog(s) to be microchipped before leaving the pound.
Dog Control
All dogs within urban areas of the District must be on a lead at all times, unless in a Dog Excercise Area - Dog Excercise Areas
Some areas within the District are prohibited areas. Dogs are not allowed in these areas. Most of these areas are signposted very clearly, however it is advised that you check the Bylaw or ask Council staff which areas are classified as prohibited. - Prohibited Dog Areas
Confinement/Control
Dog owners must prevent their dogs from wandering by keeping them under proper control or effective confinement.
Barking Dogs
Where a nuisance is created by the persistent and loud barking or howling of any dog, the Council has powers to require the nuisance to be reduced or the dog to be removed from the land or premises.
Attacking Dogs
Council has powers to seize dogs that attack people or animals. This may result in the dog being destroyed. Report all incidents to the Animal Control Contractor.
Further Information
For further information please refer to Council's Dog Control Policy and Bylaws