Dog Control Amendment Bill No. 2 and what it means for our Dogs.
Briefly, the bill will do the following:
Extend the current regime allowing flexibility of Government to prescribe dog control 'measures', impose mandatory neutering of dogs classified as 'menacing', and simplify the process of adding other breeds or type to Schedule 4 (the so-called 'dangerous' dogs).
Section 78A refers to amending schedule 4 to allow the addition of a breed or type, and moving the name or description of a breed or type from one part of the schedule to another.
Section 78C sets out matters for which a Minister must 'have regard' before recommending an order under section 78A:
1. Tendency of a breed to exhibit aggressive behaviour.
2. Tendency of a breed to attack.
3. Risk to public safety if breed not in schedule 4.
4. Companion value of breed or type ("IF ANY")
5. Classification and experience of breed or type overseas.
6. Any other matters a Minister considers relevant.
Ministers 'must' also consult with and consider advice given by representatives from local government, animal welfare organisations (see PETA_&_HSUS), dog clubs and veterinary practices "as the minister considers appropriate".
Section 78B sets out the removal of the 'elaborate' procedures for the making of Orders on Council under section 78A to simplify the above processes.
Section 33A (1) & (2) provides that a dog may be classified as menacing where the dog has not been classified as 'dangerous' under section 31 if the territorial authority considers it poses a threat to any person, stock, poultry, domestic animal or wildlife because of any observed OR REPORTED behaviour or ANY CHARACTERISTICS typically associated with the dog's breed or type.
Dogs listed in schedule 4 are to be listed as 'menacing'.
Section 33E provides owners of dogs classified as 'menacing' must not allow the dog to be at large in any public place or in any private way except when confined completely within a vehicle or cage, or is muzzled so that it is unable to bite, and MUST WITHIN ONE MONTH OF NOTIFICATION FROM A TERRITORIAL AUTHORITY PROVIDE A VETERINARIAN'S CERTIFICATE AS PROOF THAT THE ANIMAL HAS BEEN NEUTERED.
Read full Digest here: http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/ >publications and research > research publications >bills digest > digest no. 1581
| Submissions due: | closed |
| Type of bill | Government |
| Member in charge | Nanaia Mahuta |
| Bill # | 176-1 |
| Introduction | 21/11/207 |
| 1st reading | 11/12/2007 |
Repeat Statement: Such changes will lead to previously law-abiding owners going 'underground' to protect the future of their breed/s, others will dispose of their dogs because they can't find vet fees at such short notice, the pet care industry will take a king hit, as will dog control authorities dealing with even more angry and militant owners frustrated and angered by such unfair, expensive and unworkable legislation.
Solution: Keep your dogs out of sight, quiet and under control. Be mindful of any situation or persons who could bring them to the notice of authorities. And watch for the alternative political party that promises to repeal this draconian attack on the family pet.
Wisdom from Groucho Marks: “Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies.”
Humour from Groucho: "Outside of a dog, a book is probably man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's probably too dark to read".
Public Submissions available here.
Update on Select Committee hearing here.
