Editorial: Do right thing and pay dog fee

Tauranga City Council animals and enforcement leader Brent Lincoln

Disgruntled dog owners in Tauranga believe they should get more for the money they pay in registration for their pets, and, I agree.

Registering dogs is necessary but the problem with the current system is that, in essence, responsible dog owners who pay the fee are paying for services they are unlikely to ever use.

Tauranga City Council animals and enforcement leader Brent Lincoln said registration fees were used to fund activity including complaints, and employ 6.5 full-time equivalent animal control staff.

In 2014/15, the team investigated 4300 complaints, launched five prosecutions in relation to dog attacks on people or domestic animals and impounded 988 dogs.

More than 1000 dog owners have not registered their pets and should expect a visit from Tauranga City Council next month, and a $300 fine if their pet remains unregistered.

The number of dog attacks and roaming dogs is small compared to the total number of dogs in Tauranga, which currently sits at 10,473. Complaints about barking may be slightly more common but most dog owners are careful to do what they can to avoid it.

It's not fair that responsible dog owners get nothing but enforcement for their money when most will never be the cause of a complaint, and do their best to keep their dogs secure.

I agree poo bags and bins should be provided in parks. Calls for a dog park in the city should also be seriously considered.

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council recently held a Dog's Day Out as a way to do something for local dog owners. It's a good start.

Registration of dogs will always be necessary though. No matter how much of a responsible dog owner you are, you can never guarantee your dog won't attack a person or animal.

Dogs have a way of escaping from even the most careful owners from time to time.

You may not need the services of the animal control team often but you just never know when you might need to call on them.

If you own a dog, pay the registration fee. Don't make the council chase you.