Residents encouraged to make the most of dog registration extension
1 September 2022
Residents encouraged to make the most of dog registration extension
Dog owners in Rotorua have until midnight on Friday 30 September to complete dog registration for the 2022/23 year.
Usually dog registration is due by 31 July each year, however due to low registration numbers this year, Rotorua Lakes Council provided a two month extension.
Council's Manager, Community and Regulatory Services, Kurt Williams says “When we reached the end of July this year, dog registration numbers were down significantly on previous years.
“Having spoken with other councils, we realised this wasn’t unique to our district. While we can’t be certain about what has caused this trend, we do know that many people and whānau in our community are experiencing tough times financially right now, so we provided the extension to try and relieve some of this pressure.
“We really encourage residents to make the most of the extension period and register dogs before the end of the month to avoid also attracting a penalty fee.”
Dog registration fees help to cover the cost of providing Council’s animal control services to the Rotorua community.
“Our Animal Control team provides a wide variety of services which help to keep our communities safe and these are largely funded through dog registration,” says Mr Williams.
“Additionally, should your dog ever go missing, having your details registered with Council will help us reunite you with your dog if they end up in our care.”
Dogs can be registered online at rotorualakescouncil.nz/dogsonline, or in person at Council’s Civic Centre at 1061 Haupapa Street between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Council’s Customer Advisors can also provide assistance with dog registration over the phone. Customers are welcome to call 07 348 4199 for help with dog registration or to discuss their situation.
A 50% penalty will apply to registrations received after 30 September 2022.
More information about dog registration and animal control services is available at www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/dogs.
What does the dog registration fee cover?
In Rotorua, the majority of animal control services are paid for by dog registration fees, with the remainder covered by rates. These activities include:
- Providing and maintaining facilities (the Rotorua Pound) for the care, welfare and return of lost, stray, impounded or seized dogs
- Investigation, monitoring and resolution of dog issues such as nuisance (barking & roaming), aggressive and dangerous dogs (rushing & attacks)
- Monitoring and enforcement of the dog control act, bylaws and policy
- Ensuring all dog owners register their dogs
- Impounding stray and/or unwanted dogs
- Providing doggie doo bags (collect these free from Council’s Customer Centre counter)
- Friendly and professional advice to dog owners and residents
- Provision of bark collars (for hire)
- Education programme to school children
- Patrolling of public areas, reserves, parks, sports fields
- Education and safety signage in public places
- Stock control on local roads (excluding state highways)
- Rehoming dogs through our adoption programme
- Prosecution of serious dog related offences
- As with any business, there are also standard overheads associated with vehicles, technology, facilities, administration, record keeping (including the updating of the National Dog Database), staff costs, management, and prosecutions.