Select Committee Changes Don't go Far Enough

A delegation from DOG (Dog Owners Group) representing 600 Auckland dog owners have been lobbying against the proposed Local Government Law Reform Bill (no 2), saying it would penalise responsible owners.

The release of the select committee report has brought many changes to the recommendations but still is seen as coming down too hard on responsible owners.

Although happy that common sense has come through on some parts of the proposal Present legislation is not being enforced fairly in Auckland and the changes to the bill does nothing to change this. Instead under the newly proposed legislation a person caught with a dog offleash in a public area can face a fine of $500.

One Dog Group member with a poodle received an instant fine of $200 , yet in another neighbourhood a dog owner has pointed out dogs lying on the road to Animal Control officers only to have nothing done about it. How will increasing the fine for a poodle help protect the public? It will more likely increase costs to the ratepayer as Dog owners fined large amounts are more likely to dispute their fines leading to an increase in cases going to the courts.

The DOG group is calling on councils to do a meaningful survey before applying any changes to the current law. The changes proposed are not based on any facts and are at best guesses. They are guessing that Breed Specific Legislation and dog owners carrying leashes will make a difference. "If Im a responisble owner chances are a leash will not make a difference to whether I can control my dog."

Education is the only way to improve public safety at this stage

Suzanne Wecke 027 676 8773 Committee Memeber www.dog.org.nz

What is DOG?

DOG (Dog Owners Group) represents the dog owners of Auckland City. It aims to ensure access to city parks and beaches so that dogs can socialise, play and run freely issues and will speak for Auckland owners on national issues.

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