Impounded Dogs

Dogs may be impounded by Council's Animal Control Officers for any offences. Impounded dogs will be held at a pound that Council uses. Impounding fees and sustenance charges will apply.

A Dog Control Officer may impound any dog found in breach of any bylaw or policy, whether or not it is wearing a registration label or disc as required by the Act.

As soon as practicable after any dog has been impounded Council shall:

• In the case of a dog wearing a registration label or disc or where the owner of the dog is known through some other means, give written notice to the owner that the dog has been impounded and unless the dog is claimed and any fee payable paid within seven (7) days of receipt of the notice, it may be sold, euthanised or otherwise disposed of in such a manner as Council sees fit; and after the expiry of that period Council may so dispose of the dog.

• Where the owner of the dog is not known or despite reasonable enquiry cannot be identified, Council may, after the expiration of seven (7) days after the date of the seizure and impounding of the dog, sell, euthanize or otherwise dispose of the dog in such manner as it thinks fit.

• No dog which is not registered in accordance with the Act shall be released until it is registered, micro chipped and all fees due paid in full.

• The sale, destruction or disposal of any dog in accordance with this Bylaw shall not relieve the owner of the dog of liability for the payment of any fees or penalties payable under this Bylaw.

To find out if your dog has been impounded please contact the Rangitikei District Council 24hrs phoneline 0800 422 522.

Alternatively call into our Council Office in High Street Marton or Hautapu Street Taihape between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm weekdays.