Unpaid dog registration fees targeted

Around 260 Masterton district dog owners who have failed to pay registration fees now face a $300 infringement on top of unpaid fees and penalty payments.

Masterton District Council Animal Services are now issuing infringement notices for the 5 percent of dog owners who haven’t registered their four-legged friends.

Owners receiving an infringement can avoid the extra $300 cost by paying outstanding dog registration and penalty fees before 31 October, 2025.

Animal and Bylaw Services Team Leader Gordon Crawley said it was only fair all dog owners registered their dogs.

“Around 95 percent of dog owners have done the right thing and paid their registration fee – it’s part of the responsibilities of being a dog owner.

“It’s not fair on those who have paid if others are not pulling their weight. That’s why we will continue to follow up unpaid registrations.”

Registration fees provide funds for:

• responding to reports of uncontrolled dogs
• receiving and caring for abandoned and impounded dogs
• monitoring and enforcing the dog control bylaws and policy
• implementing the Dog Control Act 1996
• promoting better care and control of animals
• taking action against owners of unregistered and uncontrolled dogs
• providing information and education to local schools and communities.

ENDS