Dog owners face new laws but not as tough as originally feared

MPs have recommended watering down tough new fencing rules for all dog owners, but have made it easier for councils to muzzle dogs they declare a menace.

Local Government Minister Chris Carter drafted the legislation which had stated all dog owners would have to provide fencing so there was "unimpeded access" to at least one door on their properties.

This was to have taken effect from July 2006.

However, the Local Government and Environment Select Committee decided to change the clause.

"The select committee has decided that all dog owners must ensure their dog cannot freely leave the property but it has suggested retaining the 'unimpeded access' provision only for dogs declared dangerous," Mr Carter said.

National MP Paul Hutchison said the idea of dog fencing was "ridiculous" and he welcomed the Government "defeat."

The committee said in its report that it had tried to balance the rights of dog owners and the rights of the wider public to be protected from "nuisance and risks" posed by dogs.

The fencing rules as originally drafted would have been too expensive and reduced household security, the committee said.

There were difficulties in universal rules for both rural and urban areas when it came to laying down laws about fences and the leashing of dogs.

The committee recommended that Parliament:

* Prohibit the importation of four breeds of dogs and set up ways for Parliament to ban importation of more breeds in the future;

* Enforce owners of dangerous dogs -- those convicted of an offence -- to fence properties so someone can get to the front door without being attacked by the dog. This is an existing power not widely used;

* Require the muzzling of dogs identified by dog control officers as being menacing when they are in public places and gives powers for those dogs to be neutered;

* Places an "expectation" that dogs will be leashed in public places, particularly where there are children. These rules are at the discretion of local councils;

* Requires all dog owners to carry a leash when with their dog in a public place. This does not extend to working dogs.

* Makes it easier for councils to ban some people owning dogs.

The Government had proposed microchipping all dogs, but the committee said it would apply only those dogs classified as dangerous, menacing, and impounded dogs that are returned to their owners.

However, local councils will have the ability to compulsory microchip all dogs if they so wish.

The committee also gives new powers to dog control officers and toughens up penalties for serious offences.

Minor offence penalties have been reduced slightly.

In April, the Government announced its plans to tighten dog control laws, which included a ban on importing american pit bulls, brazilian filas, japanese tosas and dogo argentinos, and the compulsory muzzling of those dogs in public.

The law was reviewed following the horrific dog attack on Carolina Anderson in an Auckland park earlier this year.

The New Zealand Kennel Club president Ray Greer said the power for Parliament to ban more and more dog breeds would lead to inaccurate judgments being made.

Similar powers in Italy had eventually led to 74 breeds banned including the Queen's favourite the pembroke corgi.

"The committee has also got it wrong in saying that it will be possible to develop accurate and reliable identification guidelines for breeds. No country has been able to do this," Mr Greer said.

But the Kennel Clubs said that in other areas, the committee had done a good job, especially with the bill's emphasis on owner education.

- NZPA