新西蘭英語 199 Review of dog laws

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There is likely to be a review of dog laws in New Zealand. Local Government Minister, Rodney Hide, believes there are too many laws for dog owners and the laws are too muddled. He thinks dog owners should have more freedom to enjoy their dogs. At the moment, dogs have to be on a leash in most public places. Some dogs also have to be muzzled in public and all dogs must be registered. Dogs have to be microchipped too except for farm dogs or dogs registered before July 2006.

The review would look at whether the microchipping of dogs is working. Compulsory microchipping of dogs was introduced after some dog attacks including a terrible attack on seven-year-old Carolina Anderson. The reason for microchipping is to make dog control easier by identifying dogs and linking them to their owner; however Rodney Hide has asked whether it is really good value for money.

Some local councils provide information and education to dog owners. Napier City Council offers a Dog Owner Licence, which gives owners a 30% discount on dog registration. To get the licence, owners must show that their dog has never been complained about and they must agree to a property inspection. Some people have suggested that all owners should have to get a licence to own a dog, like the licence required to own a gun or car. Others however think that is going too far and irresponsible owners would not bother to get the licence anyway. The review, which is unlikely to start before 2011, will consider those viewpoints.

Contributed by Anita Jones