Stopping canine fowl play

Dunedin (Tuesday, 24 November 2015) – As more Dunedin residents opt for keeping

chickens residentially, Dunedin City Council Animal Services are reminding dog owners to make sure their dogs are kept under control to prevent chicken attacks.

“We have increased reports of dogs attacking and killing chickens. Legally dogs can be seized and destroyed for attacking people, stock, poultry, other domestic animals or protected wildlife and owners can face fines,” says Senior Animal Control Officer Peter Hanlin.

“Obviously we want to avoid such situations from happening.”

Dog owners are responsible for chicken attacks if their dog is not under control and is not securely contained when it attacks a chicken. However, if chickens wander into a neighbour’s fenced area where the dog is under control, the responsibility of an attack does not lie with the dog owner.

Animal Services recommends dog owners keep their canine friends secured and fenced and for chicken owners to think about how they keep their poultry safe when out of their coops.

“Both chicken and dog owners need to think about how they can best secure and look after their animals,” says Mr Hanlin.

“We recommend those who are thinking of getting chickens to talk to any neighbours who have dogs so they can secure their property and dogs.”

Mr Hanlin would also like to remind dog owners to make sure their pets are kept secure to prevent any aggression towards people entering properties for work.

“The festive season is nearly upon us so please keep your dogs under control and make sure there is safe access to your property for couriers and posties as they deliver more packages.”

ends

© Scoop Media