Latest News Procrastination Doesn't Pay - Dogs to be Seized Dog Control Officers have started their annual registration visits, warning anyone caught with an unregistered dog on their property will receive a $300 fine and also run the risk of having their dog(s) seized and impounded.   Masterton team leader dog control Craig Robinson said, if taken, dogs would only be returned when all outstanding registration was paid, along with an extra $60 seizure fee and a $40 microchipping fee if the dog had not been microchipped.  “We currently have 387 known unregistered dogs in the District and they will all receive a visit as well as spot checks on properties along the way to pick up on new dogs in the area.  “If anyone is having problems paying their dog registration, this is their last chance to contact the team at Animal Control to arrange time payment options,” Mr Robinson said.  All dogs must be registered by the age of 3mths.  Any person with a dog in their care for more then 72hrs is deemed the legal owner of the dog. All new dogs registered after July 2006 are also required to be Microchipped within 3mths of first registration.    “Verbal or physical abuse will not be tolerated.  Such behavior will result in a $750 infringement and Dog Control will still carry out their duties with police assistance if required,” Mr Robinson said. 6 October 2008