Move to speed up death sentences

A proposal to empower councils to destroy dangerous dogs without a court order is awaiting Government support, but there is resistance from dog owners.

Invercargill City Council's plan would mean councils have the right to euthanise dogs they impound after attacks. Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) backs the proposal.

Council animal control officers can shoot dead a dog only if they catch it in the act of attacking a person.

If the owner of a dog that attacks someone does not give permission for its destruction, the dog can be seized by the council and impounded, but a court order must then be sought for its destruction.

"That takes several months, and basically the animal takes up a bay in the pound ... for a considerable period of time," said Bill Watt, of the Invercargill City Council.

We are suggesting where there has been an attack, and the dog is believed by the animal control officer to be dangerous, the local authority should be able to euthanise the dog, he said.

The New Zealand Kennel Club is against councils having "carte blanche right to take dogs and destroy them".

"We don't believe councils should have autonomy in that area," said president John Perfect.

LGNZ president Lawrence Yule said his organisation would lobby the Government to adopt the proposal.

While some people would be worried about the rights of the dog, a "hell of a lot of New Zealanders will be worried about the rights of people".

Local Government Minister Rodney Hide will consider the proposal as part of a review of dog laws next year.