Dog Offences
Dog offences can range from failing to register your dog annually to dog attacks on people or other animals. The Dog Control Act 1996 and Council bylaws set out the range of dog offences.
Infringement offences and fees
The following fines for offences are set out in Schedule 1 of the Dog Control Act 1996; they are set fees for infringement notices issued by the council. For many of these offences, the court can impose a higher maximum penalty if the offence is dealt with by a court hearing.
| Section of Act | Description of Offence | Fine ($) |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | Wilful obstruction of dog control officer or dog ranger | 750 |
| 19(2) | Failure or refusal to supply information or wilfully providing false particulars | 750 |
| 19A(2) | Failure to supply information or wilfully providing false particulars about dog | 750 |
| 20(5) | Failure to comply with any bylaw authorised by section 20 of the Dog Control Act 1996 (e.g. failure to remove faeces). See Part 12 of the bylaw for more information. | 300 |
| 23A(2) | Failure to undertake dog owner education programme or dog obedience course (or both) | 300 |
| 24 | Failure to undertake dog owner education programme or dog obedience course (or both) | 750 |
| 28(5) | Failure to comply with effects of disqualification | 750 |
| 32(2) | Failure to comply with effects of classification of dog as dangerous dog | 300 |
| 32(4) | Fraudulent sale or transfer of dangerous dog | 500 |
| 33EC(1) | Failure to comply with effects of classification of dog as menacing dog | 300 |
| 33F(3) | Failure to advise person of muzzle and leashing requirements | 100 |
| 36A(6) | Failure to implant microchip transponder in dog | 300 |
| 41 | False statement relating to dog registration | 750 |
| 41A | Falsely notifying death of a dog | 750 |
| 42 | Failure to register a dog. | 300 |
| 46(4) | Fraudulent procurement or attempt to procure replacement dog registration label or disc | 500 |
| 48(3) | Failure to advise change of dog ownership | 100 |
| 49(4) | Failure to advise change of address | 100 |
| 51(1) | Removal, swapping or counterfeiting of registration label or disc | 500 |
| 52(A) | Failure to keep dog controlled or confined | 200 |
| 53(1) | Failure to keep dog under control | 200 |
| 54(2) | Failure to provide proper care and attention, to supply proper and sufficient food, water, and shelter, and to provide adequate exercise. | 300 |
| 54(A) | Failure to use or carry leash in public place | 100 |
| 62(4) | Allowing dogs known to be dangerous to be at large unmuzzled or unleashed | 300 |
| 62(5) | Failure to advise of muzzle and leashing requirements | 100 |
| 72(2) | Releasing dog from custody | 750 |
Reporting Dog Attacks
Around 60-80 reported dog attacks occur in Timaru District every year. Despite how well you think you know a dog or how friendly it looks, any dog is capable of attacking and causing serious harm.
All dog attacks should be reported to the Council’s Animal Control team. Phone the Council on (03) 6877200 (all hours).
If a dog has shown itself to be dangerous, the Council may take the following actions:
- The dog owner could be issued a warning or infringement notice
- Owners of dogs involved in a serious attack can be prosecuted
- Dogs may be impounded and/or put down if they attack people or animals (including protected wildlife).
- If your dog attacks any person, stock, poultry, domestic animal or protected wildlife you can be prosecuted and fined up to $3,000 if convicted, on top of any charges for any damages that occur.
- Your dog will be required to wear a muzzle. If you breach that requirement you may be fined an additional $3,000 and the dog may be put down.
- If any attack by your dog causes serious injury or death to a person or protected wildlife, you may be liable for a prison term of up to three years and/or a fine of $20,000. Your dog would also most likely be put down.
- An Animal Control Officer, Dog Ranger or Police Constable can enter any premises to seize and impound a dog that is deemed to be threatening the safety of any person or animal.
- The dog may classified as dangerous or menacing
- An owner could be classified as probationary or disqualified from dog ownership
Preventing Attacks
Dogs can attack when they feel provoked or when they think their owner might be threatened. It’s important to know how to behave around dogs:
- don't approach or run away from a dog
- don't use fast or sudden movements
- don't look directly into a dog's eyes or lean over them (these are dominant behaviours)
- always ask the owner first if you want to pat their dog
Always mind young children around dogs. If a dog appears threatening, back away slowly and try to keep a defensive barrier between you, but don't use anything as a weapon.
If a dog attacks, and the skin has been broken or if the wound seems reasonably serious, seek medical attention immediately.
Reporting other Dog Control problems
Nuisance dogs may be dogs that bark excessively, rush at people, are aggressive or menacing or who wander. The Council monitors and enforces the Dog Control Act and Council’s Dog Control by-law.
If you have a concern or complaint about a dog, phone the Council on: (03) 6877200 (all hours).
Lost and Found Dogs
Owners are legally responsible for keeping their dog under control at all times. Failure to do so is an offence under Section 53 of the Dog Control Act with a fine of up to $3,000 or an infringement fee of $200.
Straying or wandering dogs can be impounded at the owner’s expense. If the dog can be identified, the owner can be notified by phone or written notice (Note: If your dog is wearing its registration disc or has a microchip inserted, and is found straying, it can be easily identified and returned to you).
If your dog is lost or missing contact Animal Control and provide them with a good description of your dog (and your dog's microchip number, if applicable) and the area in which it strayed.
If your dog has been impounded, it will not be released until all costs have been paid. If you do not claim your dog, but it is registered to you, you are still liable for any costs.
Animal Control Team
If you have any questions on animal or dog control, contact an Animal Control Officer at the Council on (03) 687 7200.
