Dog owners urged to act
25 June 2015Waipa dog owners must register their pets by the end of July or face a 50 per cent penalty.
So far, less than 20 per cent of Waipa's known dog population of 7,489 dogs have been registered despite new registration forms being sent directly to all registered dog owners.
Registration fees have been held to the same level as last year. While owners with fenced sections and neutered dogs get a discount, those who fail to register their dogs on time can be fined.
As well as chasing dog registrations, the council is seeking feedback on its draft dog control policy and bylaw. The policy and bylaw help set the rules for managing dogs in the district and both are under review from mid-July.
Environmental services team leader Karl Tutty said council wanted feedback on a range of issues including where dogs can be exercised, rules around keeping dogs on leashes, rules around dogs in Waipa's main streets and dog-prohibited areas.
The council also wanted to know how people felt about the number of dogs currently allowed on town properties (two) and steps to control nuisance dogs.
We'd also like to hear people's thoughts around the management of menacing and dangerous dogs impounded dogs and how we rehome dogs, Tutty said.
More information, including an online survey, is available via the council's website. People can comment via the council's facebook page, by sending a letter or by filling in a form available from council offices.
Feedback on the dog control policy and bylaw must be provided by August 17.
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