Dog control measures see some hot under the collar

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 665, 3 December 1996, Page 3

Dog control measures see some hot under the collar

New dog control policies that could see some owners having to fence their property, muzzle their dog, neuter their dog and face restrictions on selling or giving away their dog would be "draconian" according to a lone voice on the Ruapehu District Council — - Bob Peck. The council was considering the process for hearing submissions on its draft dog control policy at their meeting on Friday. However, it was pointed out by opponents of Mr Peck's views that the section to which he referred related to dangerous dogs. "These conditions are quite lenient when the type of dog referred to are those that savage children on their way to school, as well as policemen and meter readers," said Cr Stephen Mastrovich (a National Park policeman). "Perhaps we could extend (the measures) to be able to incarcerate the owners." Cr Peck noted that Cr Mastrovich had left out vicars in his list (Mr Peck being a retired man of the cloth). "They have a higher protection of course," said Cr Mastrovich." The section referred to states, in part, that the property where a dog that is defined as dangerous "must be fenced to keep the dog in and allow access to at least one door without having to pass through the fenced area". The draft policy is still being prepared and by law has to include consultation with the community. The policy will be presented to the community in the council' s December issue of the council' s publication, Ruapehu District News. Submissions to the policy will be heard by the council hearings committee.