Animal Control

To view informaton regarding a particluar topic please click on a title in the list below:

Dogs
Livestock
- Stock Droving and Grazing Bylaw 2008
Poultry
- Keeping Poultry

Dogs

The Council has put together a brochure for dog owners : Information for Dog Owners

The Dog Registration form can be found on the Forms (A to Z) page

Control of Dogs Bylaw 2004

The Control of Dogs Bylaw sets the standards of control that must be observed by dog owners. It covers matters such as:

Dogs in public places
Wandering dogs
Ownership of dogs
Nuisances caused by dogs

To view the bylaw please click on the following link: Control of Dogs Bylaw 2004

Also of relevance is the: Public Places Bylaw 2007

Dog Control Act 1996

The Act makes the Council responsible fpr the control of dogs and makes the annual registration of dogs mandatory. The legislation stipulates that it is an offence to own a dog over the age of 3 months that is not registered.

To view a full copy of the Act please click on: Dog Control Act 1996

Also of relevance is the: Animal Welfare Act 1999 and Impounding Act 1955

Microchipping

Amendments to the Dog Control Act 1996 now require certain dogs to be implanted with a functioning microchip transponder. The intent of the legislation is to provide dogs with a unique number to assist in tracking of dogs classified as dangerous and to protect the interests of society as a whole.

A microchip is a Radio Frequency Identification System and functions very similar to a supermarket barcode. It has no power source which means that it doesn't transmit a signal, it only responds to a scanner.

There are many dogs already micro-chipped and many exotic or expensive animals are micro-chipped all over the world. The greatest benefit to a dog owner is that if a mirco-chipped dog is lost, stolen, has escaped or strayed it can be easily identified and reunitied with the owner.

Dog Required to be Micro-chipped:

There are five different categories of dogs that have to be microchipped:

Classified Dangerous after 1 December 2003
Classified Menacing after 1 December 2003
Registered for the first time after 1 July 2006
Impounded, Registered for the second time after 1 July 2006
Impounded, Un-registered after 1 July 2006

Nine Good Reasons to Micro-chip Your Dog:

Finding Lost of Stolen Dogs - the owner can be located and reunited with the dog.
Proving Ownership - even if the dog is found (if lost, stolen etc) there is no way to prove ownership except for a micro-chip.
Proving Identity - offenders can try to claim the dog in their possession is a different dog.
Cost - it is a one of cost and is relatively inexpensive.
Tracking Complaint History - dogs can no longer be moved from one place to another to avoid detection. When there is a previous history then more stringent action is likely.
Notification of Transfers - huge cost savings to Councils (and then onto Ratepayers) because they are not having to follow up transferred dogs.
Claiming Damages - for example when a dog is destroyed for worrying stock, if it has ever been previously registered, impounded or classified it will have a micro-chip and the owner can claim damages.
The National Dog Database - is continously updated through local Council records.
Improving Dog Control - effective dog control means improved community safety.

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Livestock

Stock Droving and Grazing Bylaw 2008

The Rangitikei District Council Stock Droving and Grazing Bylaw 2008 was made in accordance with Section 145 of the Local Government Act 2002.

The purpose of the bylaw is to ensure the movement iof stock and roadside grazing of livestock in a public place doesn't become a nuisance to people in the community or cause damage to property.

To view a full copy of the Bylaw please click on: Stock Droving and Grazing Bylaw 2008

Also of relevance is the: Animal Welfare Act 1999