ODC takes a hard line on unregistered dogs

You have been warned.

That's the message from Otorohanga District Council as it adopts its 'zero tolerance' of unregistered dogs policy.
As of October 1, owners who have failed to register their dogs will be issued with an infringement notice.
The notice includes an instant fine of $300 plus late registration fees.
In addition an unregistered dog could also be seized and impounded, with the owner paying any pound costs incurred.
The new policy was discussed at last week's council meeting.
Environmental services manager Julie Meade Rose said due to the considerable number of dogs still unregistered, it was time to inform the public that council would not tolerate unregistered dogs.
"We need to make it clear that infringement notices will be issued for unregistered dogs and that we are working towards a zero tolerance policy on this matter," she said.
Chief executive David Hall said it was necessary the public is made aware of the policy change.
"I think it is important to note council is going to be tougher on dogs than what we have been in the past," said Mr Hall.
"The onus is on people who have not yet registered their dogs to ensure they are registered."
Mayor Dale William said for the first year the council should give extra warning about penalties.
Dog registration fees are due on July 1, with late registration costs imposed from August 1.
It was initially suggested the 'zero tolerance' policy should come into effect on September 1, however the council resolved to give the public an extra month's warning this year.
"This is the first year this is really going to be acted on. We should give them an extra month's grace and a reminder," said councillor Sue Blackler.
Mr Williams emphasised that the 'grace' period would not be given in the future. "I think for the first year we should give them an extra month's grace, but as of next year we won't be giving them reminders." said Mr Williams.
He said it was important for owners to inform council when a dog had died or been sold.
It was agreed that reminder notices be sent out to owners'of unregistered dogs and infringement penalties will be enforced from October 1.

Otorohanga council shelves rates help

Otorohanga mayor Dale Williams is against his council implementing a rates postponement scheme.
I don't think this is a track that council. should go down. I think life is complex enough," said Mr Williams.
The feasibility of such a scheme was raised when council representatives recently visited local mane.
Finance and administration manager John Pevreal compiled a report on various rates postponement options, which were discussed at last week's council meeting.
The Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 and Local Government Act 2001 allows local authorities to adopt a rates postponement policy, where they postpone all or part of annual rates when ratepayers experience financial hardship.
To qualify for rates postponement, ratepayers must meet certain criteria regarding their age and financial hardship.
Mr Pevreal reported that such services are already available from other financial institutions such as banks.
"Banks are geared towards providing assistance of this nature.
"In our case it is another function that would more than likely be administratively more expensive than what fees would cover," said Mr Pevreal.
He also raised the issue of fairness suggesting that, renters, leaseholders, multiple owned Maori land and retirement villages may not qualify easily.
Mr Pevreal said in order to put together an effective council rates postponement scheme, more time was required to develop conditions and criteria.
However, councillors agreed that it should not be up to the council to deal with rates postponement.
"I don't think it is our business. I think there are other services out there," said deputy mayor Hugh Earwaker.
"I believe that supporting other people like this falls on to the banks.
"They have the mechanisms in place."

Speedsters not welcome

A proposed 'Speed Weekend' around Otorohanga has hit its brakes before leaving the starting line.
Hamilton Car Club applied to Otorohanga District Council for consent to close district roads as part of their Speed Weekend motoring event.
The event would have closed sections of Puketawai, Whawharua and Mangawhero Rds from 9am-6pm on Saturday, September 29 and a section of Pekanui Rd from 9am-6pm on September 30.
But due to the extended periods of road closure, the short amount of notice given by the club and it being a busy time of year for farmers, the application was declined.
Councillor Sue Blackler said closing roads for that amount of time could not be justified during the spring farming season.
"Closing roads for that amount of time is too much to ask,' she said.
Engineering manager Dave Clibbery said because the application was late the club should not be surprised it has been declined.
Mayor Dale Williams and several councillors suggested the road closure application should still go ahead into the public submission phase.
"It's not that we agree the event should but should residents have their say?" said Mr Williams.
"I think we should give residents the option," said deputy mayor Hugh Earwaker.
Councillor Deborah Pilkington was concerned that by declining the application without public consultation, the council could be seen as being "obstructive".