Auckland Council’s tail wagging over dog registration results

The number of dogs registered within the first week of an Auckland Council amnesty “are extremely positive”, according to Auckland Council.

The cost effective scheme to help owners of menacing breeds register and desex their dogs began on April 21 and was a response to a recent number of dog attacks in Auckland.

Council animal management manager, Geoff Keber, said there had been a pleasing response from owners with over 140 dogs registered since the amnesty started.

“They are extremely positive numbers,” said Mr Kerber.

“We want to engage with as many people as we can to help desex their dogs, keep their dogs legal, and educate them about irresponsible dog ownership.”

Manurewa-Papakura Councillor Calum Penrose said a further 223 dogs had been booked to be registered under the amnesty this week.

He reiterated that all owners of menacing breeds, which include the Brazilian Fila, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Perro de Presa Canario, American pit bull and Staffordshire terriers, should take up the council’s offer and be responsible owners.

“We need to send a clear message across the Auckland region that it’s not okay to have dogs unregistered, and it’s not okay to let dogs onto our streets or in homes where they feel that they could be in vulnerable situations.”

Mr Penrose said the council wanted to send a strong message to dog owners about being responsible after the amnesty ended.

“If by the first of July dog owners do not come on-board, and their dogs are seen on the street and are unregistered, our officers will be out in full force to uplift those dogs and take them away,” said Mr Penrose. “The owners will be infringed and a penalty will apply.”

Heather Laanbroek, director and founder of BARK NZ, an organisation focused on child safety around dogs, said there were multiple issues that New Zealand needs to look at to reduce dog bites, but the amnesty was a step in the right direction.

“Unfortunately it is the responsible owners who are going to take up the amnesty option and those tend to not be the ones that are causing the dog bites,” explained Ms Laanbroek.

“It is a good start and it’s something that needs to be done, but there is a whole lot more that needs to be done, not just desexing and registration.”