December 11, 2007

NEW ZEALAND – The owners of a poodle were forced to pay a hefty fine for the return of their pet which was found wandering through the neighborhood.

Sandra Tudman found the 9-year-old poodle, took it to her house and called the city council. She gave them the dog’s ID number and she was told that a ranger would pick up the dog and take it to a shelter.

Hours later, a ranger arrived at Tudman’s residence and said that the owner was contacted and the dog would be returned home instead of a shelter.

According to the Manukau city council’s Web site, there is an annual fee of $120 for owning a dog, which can be reduced by having the dog spayed or neutered.

The $340 fee included a $40 first-time impounding fee and a $300 infringement fee for the dog getting loose, fees that are clearly stated on the Web site,www.manukau.gov

According to Manukau city officials, the fines are based on national standards and cover staff wages.

The council says that it would not be fair to taxpayers to cover the cost of something that is not their problem. That explains why fines are so high and why it is important to keep a close eye on your dog.

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