Dog owner essentialsNgā mea me mātua mōhio te hunga tiaki kurī

Microchipping Your Dog

From 1 July 2006 the following types of dog have to be microchipped:

• Any dog that is registered for the first time after 1 July 2006.
• Any dog that has been classified as menacing or dangerous on or after 1 December 2003.
• Any unregistered dog that is impounded must be microchipped prior to release to its owner.
• Any registered dog that gets impounded a second time within the one registration year must be microchipped prior to release to its owner.

Please note that dog registration and microchipping are two separate processes. You must register your dog each year, but you only need to microchip your dog once in its lifetime.

Carry a Leash

Even when exercising your dog in an off leash area or Dog Exercise Area you are required to carry a leash with you.

Dog Tags

Every dog must wear the registration tag provided at registration time. Replacement tags are provided at a cost; proof of registration must be provided.

Control of Dog on Dog Owner's Property

An important change was made to the Dog Control Act in 2003. Dog owners are required to keep their dogs under adequate control on their own property.

The dog owner must ensure that either;

• the dog is under the direct control of a person or
• the dog is confined in a manner so that the dog cannot freely leave the property.

Being under direct control means being with the dog. It does not mean being inside or in the back yard when the dog is in the unfenced front yard. Confined normally means behind an adequate fence or in a run or cage. Animal Control Officers may now enter private property and seize and impound dogs that are freely able to leave their property.

In addition, dog owners are liable for an infringement fine.

De-sexing your dog - A humane responsibility

De-sexing your dog will help reduce your dog's urge to roam around the neighbourhood and will prevent the possibility of unwanted litters.

Council offers a subsidy towards de-sexing if your dog is registered. Contact the Animal Control Team for further information.

Adopt a Dog!

Have you thought about adopting one of our available dogs?

Each year Council officers impound a number of dogs that are not claimed by their owner. During impounding for the 7 days as required by the Dog Control Act 1996, the dog is assessed by staff as to its suitability for re-homing and many of these dogs are available for adoption to a good home. Officers check the dog's new home with a pre-adoption visit.

Like to Know More About Dogs?

Officers from the Napier City Council Animal Control Department are available for group presentations.

Topics include:

• Safety around dogs.
• Care and responsibility for your dog.
• Territorial aggression.
• The Dog Control Act and Council's Bylaws and Policy.

Our Education Officer is also available to go out to Schools to present an in depth course aimed at children, in line with material supplied by the Department of Internal Affairs and other relevant visual presentations and hand-outs that have been made available to us.