Dog registration

Press, 19 February 1988, Page 16

Dog registration

Sir, —It has been reported that a Christchurch City Council sub-committee is considering ways to meet the $97,411 annual cost of running the dog pound. It might seek the solution from those responsible for the $50,000 Christmas decorations. Previously, dog licence fees were increased to cover the hydatids programme, which has since been curtailed considerably. I would like to know how much revenue is collected annually from dog licences and fees, and if it is applied wholly to the dog sector. Cr Fowler is quoted as saying she does not see why she should pay for careless dog owners through her rates. Properties with dogs living in, or nearby, are less likely to be burgled, but the dog owner pays high insurance premiums regardless. To many people, particularly the eldetly, a dog is a great companion, and a pleasant incentive to exercise. Higher fees could deny them this innocent pastime. There will always be irresponsible dog owners, irresponsible parents, drivers, litterers, phlegm ejectors, etc. We need animals; humans are such sinners.—Yours, etc., (Mrs) J. DYER. January 31, 1988.

[The Associate Town Clerk, Mr Marshall Wright, replies: “Dog registration fees are required by the Dog Control and Hydatids Act, 1982, to be ‘used only for the registration and general control of dogs, the control, prevention and eradication of hydatids, and any other purposes authorised by (the) act.’ The current revenue budget of $598,384 is applied solely to the expenditure incurred in those activities. The benefits of dog ownership carry also a considerable responsibility of care. Unfortunately, many dog owners do not have the responsible attitude of your correspondent. Consequently, there is a continuing need for the considerable costs of uplifting and caring for stray dogs.”]