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Dog Control Laws

Dog Overview and Registration | Dog Attacks | Dog Obedience | Dog Pound | Microchipping | Walking Your Dog | Dog Registration Fees

New Zealand’s dog control laws were changed in 2003. The changes focus on improving dog control and increasing public safety around dogs. At the same time, the right and ability of people to enjoy owning dogs are protected.

While no law can stop dog attacks, the changes encourage responsible dog ownership.

The changes make it easier for our Animal Control Officers to seize dogs that have attacked, and provide a process for classifying dogs as ‘menacing’. There are also increased fines, and wider options for dealing with probationary dog owners.

Microchipping

The requirement to microchip all dogs registered in New Zealand for the first time (except working farm dogs, which are exempt)* affects mainly puppies and imported dogs. Microchipping provides a simple, lifelong way of identifying dogs and linking them to their owner, making dog control easier and more effective. Microchipping started on 1 July 2006 for:

• Dogs first registered (mainly puppies) since that date, except working farm dogs*.
• Dogs classified as dangerous or menacing, including dogs classified since 1 December 2003. 
• Unregistered dogs that are impounded. 
• Registered dogs that are impounded twice.

* Working farm dogs are dogs kept solely or principally for herding or driving stock.

• More information about microchipping

National Dog Database

This database holds information on all registered dogs including registration details, microchip number (if applicable), breed and year of birth. Contact details of owners are also recorded.

We supply and maintain information held on the database, established by the Department of Internal Affairs. The information is not available to the public.

Menacing and dangerous dogs

We have powers to declare a dog menacing or dangerous in certain circumstances, including if the dog is considered a threat to any person, animal or protected wildlife.

We must also classify a dog as menacing if there are reasonable grounds to believe it belongs wholly or predominantly to one or more of the four restricted breeds/types:  American pit bull terrier, dogo Argentino, Brazilian fila and Japanese tosa. It is illegal to import any of these restricted breeds/types. Menacing dogs must be muzzled when in public and may be required to be neutered.

Stricter requirements apply to dangerous dogs including being muzzled and leashed in public, being neutered and being kept securely fenced on the owner’s property without blocking access to any dwelling.

Increased powers for councils

We have revised our dog control policies so there is more emphasis on public safety. We can prohibit dogs or require them to be leashed in public places where children go, such as playgrounds and popular beaches.

As well as being able to disqualify someone from owning a dog, or declaring them a probationary dog owner for certain types of offending specified in the Act, we can require probationary owners to do a dog education programme and/or a dog obedience course.

Our Animal Control Officers can now seize registered dogs that are not under direct control of a person or not fenced in (i.e. free to leave the property); along with dogs that are unregistered, have attacked, or are not receiving adequate food, water or shelter.

Fines

Most fines for court-imposed penalties and infringements have increased to $300.

The penalty for owning a dog involved in an attack causing serious injury is up to three years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $20,000.

Owner responsibilities

The law emphasises that owners are responsible for controlling their dogs. This includes using or carrying a leash when taking a dog out in public.