More and more dog breeds to be banned under faulty legislation

Powers to ban specific breeds recommended by the Local Government and Environment Select Committee are too strong and will see more and more breeds banned, said the President of the New Zealand Kennel Club, Mr Ray Greer, today.

The Local Government Law Reform Bill (no 2), as supported by the Committee, will see four breeds banned initially, but similar powers in Italy now saw 74 breeds banned, with the latest being the Pembroke Corgi, the Queen’s favourite dog, said Mr Greer.

The process recommended by Committee before a dog breed can be banned - consultation, an Order in Council and a motion in the House – will not make the banning of breeds more rigorous or accurate and was supported by none of the major submitters before the committee, said Mr Greer.

“The Committee has also got it wrong in saying that it will be possible to develop accurate and reliable identification guidelines for breeds. No country has been able to do this and the Committee is simply wrong on this point. This will cause endless problems when they try to put the legislation into practise”

Mr Greer said the Committee appeared to have listened well to major submitters on the bill in other areas. “We are happy with their emphasis on owner education and the role of territorial local bodies and the decision to drop the requirement to provide a fenced access to the front door of every dog owner’s house is common sense at last.”

ENDS

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