STRAY DOG NUISANCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21857, 20 July 1934, Page 14

STRAY DOG NUISANCE

COMPLAINTS AT OTAHUHU LIVESTOCK OWNERS* PETITION A petition signed by 28 owners of livestock in the Otaliuhu and Westfield districts, requesting the Otaliuhu Borough Council to tighten the registration of dogs and suggesting that all unregistered dogs in the borough should be destroyed was presented at the council meeting ori Wednesday night. The petitioners alleged that great damage had been done to livestock in Otahuhu by unregistered and stray dogs. "We have been informed that relief workeru owning dogs are allowed by your council to pay registration fees by instalments," stated the petition. "We are firmly convinced this is a bad policy, for the simple reason that a person who cannot aliord to pay registration fees cannot afford to pay for the food necessary to keep the animal. Consequently, half-starved dogs go prowling around the district in search of food and make attacks on livestock. The Mavor, Mr. H. T. Clements, said he questioned if the council could do more than it hud already done, .The ranger had received definite instructions to gather in all stray dogs. Mr. J. J. Graham suggested the petitioners be advised that the council did not allow time-payment of licence fees. . ■ In reply to a question the town clerk, Mr. 11. W. F. Wood, said he had been offered part payment by one resident, and had accopted tho money tendered without prejudice. After further discussion it was decided to reply that the council had already taken all necessary steps to clear the district of stray dogs.