Warning for dog owners

Friday, 27 August 2010

Dog owners are being advised to ensure their dogs do not wander during lambing and calving season, Southland District Council compliance officer Paul Bell says.

"We're giving dog owners the heads up to not let their dogs go wandering around their neighbourhood. If they are running among stock, they may be destroyed by the farmer or anyone he chooses as his representative."

Farmers have been known to destroy roaming dogs after catching them around their stock and "they are in their rights to do so."

"It has happened in the past," Mr Bell said. "Owners should keep an eye on their dogs or contain and confine them to their property so they cannot freely leave."

"There will be dog rangers constantly patrolling around the district."

Mr Bell also reminds owners to make sure their dogs are registered for the 2010/2011 year, as rangers will be inspecting properties for unregistered dogs from the beginning of September.

"If any unregistered dog is found at a property, it can be removed, as well as the owner being issued a $300 fine for being in possession of an unregistered dog."

"Or alternatively, you can spend the $30 and go into a Southland District Council office and register your dog before September," said Mr Bell.

Who to contact

If you would like to discuss a matter on this page, feel free to contact us:

Southland District Council
P.O. Box 903
Invercargill 9840
Phone: 0800 732 732
Fax: 0800 732 329
emailsdc@southlanddc.govt.nz