Still time to register dogs

Still time to register dogs

Three thousand dogs remain unregistered in the Waikato District despite owners only have 16 days to go before penalties or fines are incurred.

Waikato District Council Animal Control Manager, Nicole Collins said that although registrations were up on the same time last year this was still a large number to have outstanding at this time.

“Of the nearly 9,000 dogs known to the council we have received registrations from 5900 owners. Dog owners need to remember that a registration only lasts for one year and must be renewed by 1 July each year.

“I encourage people to register their dog before 1 August because after that time we are able to seize dogs from a property and owners can be charged an infringement fee of $300 and/or face prosecution,” she said.

Ms Collins said as an incentive Council was offering a discount to dog owners that registered their animal before 1 August 2009. Discounts could range from 15 to nearly 100 percent depending on a number of conditions.

“Council likes to encourage dog owners to be responsible and where possible offers reduced registration fees for dog owners who meet certain criteria,” she said.

Dog owners can find out their registration fee by contacting the Waikato District Council on 07 824 8633.