Dog Control Dogs & Dog Control Policy 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. 17 January 2008 The Dog Control section is responsible for the registration and control of the Masterton District's 5,583 dogs. A strong emphasis is also placed on the education of owners and how to control and care for their dogs. Special education projects are undertaken regularly. Dog Control Fees - 2010/11 Item Fee Rural owner $71.00 1st dog $16.50 2nd & subsequent dogs Urban Entire $112.00 per dog Urban spayed/neutered $71.00 per dog Additional penalty fee for all dogs not registered by 1st August, each year will be 50% per dog. Owners in the Urban Ward are reminded that the Council's bylaws preclude the keeping of three or more dogs over the age of 3 months without written permission being first obtained from the District Council. An application fee of $37.00 (in addition to the above fees) is to accompany all applications for such permission.   Item Fee Dog collars (optional) From $5.00 per collar Drontal Plus worm tablets $2.50 each Duplicate tag $5.00 per tag Microchipping $42.00 per dog Pound fees for dogs Dog owners are advised that the Council has fixed the following sustenance and poundage fees: Item Fee Sustenance Fee $10.50 per dog per day Poundage (per dog) First impounding $65.00 Second impounding $105.00 Third and subsequent impoundings $125.00 The District pound is situated at 79 Ngaumutawa Road, Masterton. Contact the Dog Control Officers.  Dog Exercise Areas All dogs must be on a leash at all times within the urban area except in the designated exercise areas listed below. The following areas are to be designated dog exercise areas where dogs may be exercised at large while under continuous surveillance and effective control. Henley Lake - All areas controlled by Henley Lake management plan, with the exception of leash restrictions imposed between 1 August and 30 November (inc) and signposted areas. Waipoua River Banks – up to and including top of stop bank. Ritimona Reserve Waingawa River Bank – South Road Castlepoint Beach – Beach front north of DOC Reserve - aka the basin Riversdale Beach – Beach front and Southern Reserve Ruamahunga River Bank – Town side north of Te Ore Ore Road bridge Renall Street Railway Reserve Upper Manaia Road - Ngaumutawa Rd - from Hillcrest St to Upper Manaia Dogs are prohibited within: The central area of Masterton -                 - Queen Street, from Renall Street to King Street                 - Worksop Road, between Queen Street and Dixon Street                 - Jackson Street                 - Perry Street, between Chapel Street and Dixon Street                 - Lincoln Road, between, Chapel Street and Dixon Street                 - Park Street Childrens Play areas Aviary area of Queen Elizabeth Park Dog owners are required to remove dog faeces from public places.  Failure to do so could result in an infringement notice being issued, to the value of $300.