Hastings takes tougher stance on dog fees

Late-paying rural dog owners will no longer be treated leniently by Hastings District Council.
Rural or working dogs have traditionally had lower registration fees and lower late-payment penalties than urban dogs.
The council will retain the reduced registration fees but a 50 per cent late penalty will now be applied to rural dogs as well.
The registration fee is $127 for urban dogs and $45 for rural or working dogs.
The council's dog-control fees and charges will otherwise be maintained at the same rates for the next financial year.