Council answers dog beef

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 678, 18 March 1997, Page 8

Council answers dog beef

Ruapehu District chief executive cliff houston replies to alan Sgarrow's letter, Bulletin, 1 1 March: Regular patrols and an-

nual visits have been undertaken in the Raetihi area over the Deeember/January/February period. Seven dogs were impounded at Raetihi during

February and five of these have had to be destroyed as owners could not be located. Unfortunately finding the owners of impounded dogs is an ongoing problem for Council officers and the majority of all dogs impounded are destroyed. Stock worrying is also a major problem both in the townships and the surrounding rural areas. The new Dog Control Act is quite strict and any dog running at large among stock can be immediately destroyed by the owner/owners agent of the stock, a Dog Control Officer or Constable. While there are quite severn fines for dogs not being kept under control we need to hear from those people experiencing any problems. Every person has a right to be in a public place without fear of intimidation by uncontrolled dogs. Our officers do investigate any complaint received which is evidenced by the number of dogs classified as dangerous in our District. Paddy Chambers is available on call for urgent stock worrying problems and can be contacted on 025-840-700. Other complaints relating to wandering attacks should be referred to Council.