Dog OwnersTe hunga nāna te kurī

Responsible dog ownership means more than simply loving your dog. Dog ownership is a serious commitment that takes time and energy. When you become a dog owner, you sign up to a social contract with your community, friends and whānau to ensure you are looking after the welfare of your animal and safety of people. Your responsibilities are governed by the Dog Control Act 1996, Animal Welfare Act 1999 and Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018.

Over recent years, there have been a number of dog attacks reported in the national media. Few of these would have happened if the dog owner had ensured their dog was under control at all times, and that their dog was happy and in the appropriate situation. Our Animal Services team is committed to preventing such incidents by combining education, prevention and enforcement to keep all community members, dog owners and their dogs safe from harm.

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

Responsible Dog Ownership

Council also encourages owners to take their dogs to an obedience school. We have a responsible dog owner scheme in place in Central Hawke's Bay. This is a special licence given to those owners who have demonstrated to us they are good owners by

• paying fees on time,
• de-sexing their dogs, and
• having their dogs under control at all times, and
• ensuring their property is fully fenced to prevent a dog wandering off the property. An inspection of your property must be carried out before the end of April each year.

Microchipping your dog

We identify and return more dogs thanks to their microchips than because of any other reason. Dogs that are microchipped are saved to a National Dog Database, so no matter where in the country they are when lost, they can be reunited with you.

All dogs are legally required to be microchipped. Our Animal Services team can microchip your dog for a fee, which is about half of what it would cost to go through a vet. If you are interested, please get phone our team on 06 857 8060 to arrange an appointment.

Dog tags

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

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. Dogs must be walked on lead in urban areas, no matter how well behaved they may be, as other people may feel intimidated by a dog off-lead. Be courteous to your fellow community members by walking your dog on lead.

De-sexing your dog

De-sexing your dog will help reduce your dog's urge to roam around the neighbourhood, prevent the possibility of unwanted litters, and can improve the health of your dog. Your local vets are often very helpful and will allow you to pay off the cost of the de-sexing procedure.

Dogs on their owner's property

Dog owners are required to keep their dogs under adequate control on their own property. Your dog must be confined in a manner so that the dog cannot freely leave the property.

Where can I take my dog off-lead?

You can exercise you dogs off leash at the stopbanks and river areas of the Tukituki and Waipawa rivers adjacent to Waipukurau and Waipawa. All owners or persons responsible for the dog while in a public area must ensure the dog is under effective control at all times within a dog exercise area.