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Media Statement from the Department of Internal Affairs - 16 January 2008

Improving Public Safety Under the Dog Control Act 1996

Dogs and dog control policy are in the spotlight.   The government has introduced a Bill to extend and improve aspects of the Dog Control Act 1996.  And the discussion document Improving Public Safety Under the Dog Control Act 1996: Policy Options outlines some options and asks for comment on ideas to further improve dog control and public safety around dogs. 

This will help with work on policies aimed at maintaining the balance between people responsibly enjoying a pet and people being safe.

Some of the options look at further amendments to the current system.  For example, if a dog is classified as dangerous should it be destroyed?  What is a “dangerous” behaviour anyway?  There are currently four dog breeds banned from importation - should there be more?  Should more dogs be neutered?  Would there be a benefit in tightening the rules about probationary ownership and dog containment?

One option raised in the discussion document could mean fundamental change to the current dog control regime - the idea of owner licensing.

The impacts of owner licensing would be substantial.  In August 2007 there were 484,358 dogs recorded on the National Dog Database.  Of these, 4,996 were classified as menacing and 481 were classified as dangerous. 

Dogs are an integral part of our urban and rural communities and this discussion is important.  Key elements in dog safety are good law, effective enforcement, community support for enforcement, and responsible dog ownership.

The Department of Internal Affairs will analyse responses to the discussion document and report to the Minister of Local Government.  As well as public submissions, the views of councils and dog control professionals will continue to be important.

Improving Public Safety Under the Dog Control Act 1996 has been posted on the  website for The Department of Internal Affairs at www.dia.govt.nz/dogcontrol. Printed copies are available from DIA, Level 1, 46 Waring Taylor Street or email Nicola.Grindle@dia.govt.nz

Submissions close at 5.00pm on Monday 31 March 2008.