Dog owners who still haven’t registered their dog this year will have until Wednesday 26 October to get it done.

Just over 1000 dogs remain unregistered across the district. Reminder notices were sent out at the end of last week to let owners know their registration is overdue.

“We’re asking people to just pay the normal fee,” says enforcement manager Jim Single, “they’ll have 10 working days to pay online or at customer services before we look at issuing infringements.”

The due date for registrations is 31 July each year. Owners who don’t register their dogs could get a $300 fine and their dog impounded.

“If your dog has changed owners, moved to a new address or has died, let us know so we can change our records,” says Mr Single. “Call us on 0800 653 800 or emailservice@gdc.govt.nz .”

All dogs over three months old are legally required be registered with the local council.

Mr Single says there are currently 6013 owners in our district who own 11,599 known dogs.

“Council are responsible under the Dog Control Act for keeping a register of all dogs in the district and ensuring owners keep their dogs well controlled and safe for the community.”

“Registration fees help to pay for the cost of providing dog control services across the whole district, caring for animals at the pound, education, promotion and maintaining registration databases.”

Quick facts:

• There are 11,599 dogs in the Gisborne District. 89% have been registered so far this year.

• Our animal control team has six full-time officers based at Gisborne and Te Puia Springs, they cover a land area of 8,360 square kilometres.

• An owner who meets the responsible owner criteria pays $23 less than the standard dog registration.

More information on dog ownership in Tairāwhiti is available on our website.

ENDS

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