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Animal ControlRatonga kararehe

Man's best friend is an important part of the whānau. It's important as their owners to know what your responsibilities are, and how together we can keep both humans and your furry pals happy, healthy and safe.

Central Hawke's Bay District Council employs Animal Services Officers whose tasks include regular patrolling of all areas of the district collecting stray dogs and where possible locating their owners. The officers are also responsible for wandering stock and natural pests.  

Annual dog registration notices are sent out in June with fees payable by 1 August. After 1 August a penalty of up to 50% of the registration fee per dog will be imposed. All dogs over the age of three months must be registered and non-registration will result in an infringement being issued. To register your dog please go here

Council also encourages owners to take their dogs to an obedience school. A responsible dog owner scheme is in place in Central Hawke's Bay. This is a special licence price given to those owners who have demonstrated to Council they are good owners by paying fees on time, that have had their dogs desexed and have dogs that are under control at all times and do not wander off the property, and that their property is fully fenced. An inspection of your property must be carried out before the end of April each year.

The Animal Services Team are located in the Waipawa Office in Ruataniwha Street, Waipawa and can be contacted on +64 6 857 8060.

You will find our Dog Control Policy and Practice Reports here

To report a roaming dog please phone Council on +64 6 857 8060 (24 hour phone service) for the attention of our Animal Services team who will respond.

If we find your dog roaming for the first time, and that dog is registered, our team will return your animal to you. We may need to keep your dog in our pound until we reach you. We take good care of your dog if it is impounded, ensuring it is warm, well fed and receives any veterinary care it might need.

When we visit, we will try to ascertain if there is anything that could be done to make sure your pet doesn’t escape again. We know how upsetting it can be to be separated from your dog. Microchipping your dog will help us connect you to your dog if it is lost. If your dog isn't microchipped, we can do that for you, for about half the price of what it would cost at the vet.

 

Responsible Dog Ownership

Responsible dog ownership means more than simply loving your dog. Dog ownership is a serious commitment that takes time and energy. Over recent years there have been a number of widely publicised dog attacks reported in the media nationwide. Few of these would have happened if the dog owner had ensured their dog was under control at all times and had been paying attention to ensure that the dog was happy and that the situation was appropriate. Central Hawke's Bay District Council's Animal Services Team is committed to preventing such incidents by a combination of education, prevention and enforcement.

Please play your part in ensuring that dog ownership is a pleasant experience for everyone.

Council is committed to:

  • Supplying a quality service.
  • Listening to our customers.
  • Providing a professional service.
  • Responding in a timely manner.
  • Obtaining regular feedback from our customers.
  • Continually striving to improve our service.

 Other Services:

  • Microchipping
  • Education and advice on care of dogs.
  • Collar / lead sales

Microchipping Your Dog

We identify and return more dogs because of their microchips than any other reason. Dogs that are microchipped are saved to a National Dog Database - meaning that no matter where in the country they are when lost, they can be reunited with you. Since 1 July 2006, all dogs registered in New Zealand for the first time (except farm dogs used for stock control) must be microchipped. Our Animal Services team can microchip your dog for $25. If you are interested, please get in touch to arrange an appointment, phone us on 06 857 8060 or email dogs@chbdc.govt.nz.

Our friendly Animal Services team has increased patrolling in all areas of the district to pick up dogs before they attack and to increase community safety.

  • If you see a dog out wandering please contact the council office on 06 857 8060 (24 hour service).
  • If you are a dog owner, please ensure your dogs are under control at all times. Check your fencing, kennelled or contained areas to ensure there are no areas where your dogs can escape.
  • If you need advice on how to contain your furry friends, our Animal Services team are more than happy to help, phone us on 06 857 8060 or email dogs@chbdc.govt.nz

Residents are encouraged to take the correct safety precautions when letting off fireworks to ensure the welfare of pets and animals. Fireworks are great to look at, but the noise and lights can be terrifying for pets.

Guy Fawkes FB Post

Some tips and tricks to keep your furry friends safe during fireworks: 

  • Keep your furry friends indoors where possible or in a secured area 
  • Block all exits e.g. secure dog/cat flaps, doors and windows before dark to stop them escaping 
  • Minimise any potential noise from fireworks by closing windows, blinds/curtains 
  • If possible, stay with your furry friend and avoid leaving them alone at home 
  • Ensure that you have a safe space where your furry friend can hide and feel safe 
  • Play background noise to help as a distraction e.g. TV or radio 
  • Feed your furry friend a high-carb diet to help them feel full and sleep well 
  • Make sure your furry friend is wearing a collar and tag so that if they do escape our friendly animal services team will be able to easily contact you to reunite you with your furry friend 

 

The Dog Control Act 1996 makes councils responsible for the control of dogs and makes the registration of dogs mandatory each year. The Annual Dog Control Policy and Practices Report presents information on dog populations, dog attacks, enforcement and prosecutions. A copy of the latest Annual Reports are available below:

Have your say on our Animal Services! Untitled design 51

We welcome your feedback so that we can continue to improve our service to you, take part in our Animal Services Survey here

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