January 6, 2008

NEW ZEALAND – An innovative measure in the works by New Zealand's government could help lower the number of dangerous dog attacks based on a six part system.

But rather than dictate which laws are best, parliament ministers decided to ask the population how they want the issue to be managed. A policy options survey was created, the questions and answers to which can be found at LINK 1 at the end of this story.

The survey asked people what they think of the existing law, passed in 2003, and proposes options for potential changes. Users had the option to leave detailed responses – rather than having to choose from a multiple choice list.

The hope is that responsibility will become a group notion – and when the alternative is a potential breed ban, the survey is a breath of fresh air for many animal lovers.

Accompanying the survey is an explanation of the government's plan for handling dangerous and menacing breeds.

In brief, the six categories covered are (1) micro-chipping, (2) a national dog database (NDD), (3) defining “menacing” and “dangerous” dogs, (4) increased local government (council) powers, (5) fines and (6) owner responsibility.

(1) All dogs, except working farm dogs, must be micro-chipped. This effects mainly imported dogs and puppies and makes dog control more effective.

(2) The National Dog Database has information on all registered dogs, including microchip numbers, breed, date of birth and registration data. Of course, this also includes owners' contact numbers.

Local councils upload the data based on their registration information, which is monitored by the Department of Internal Affairs.

(3) Local councils can only classify animals as menacing or dangerous based on the potential threat the animal poses to, “any person, animal or protected wildlife.”

Menacing dogs must be muzzled in public, and the councils can require them to be castrated. Dangerous dogs may be required to be muzzled and leashed in public, castrated and fenced when on the owner's property.

(4) Council powers will have the reach to mandate where dogs can go, such as parks where kids play and beaches. They can also disqualify someone from owning an animal or require they take an animal education course if deemed necessary.

(5) Fines for owning a dog that attack and causes serious injury can reach $20,000 and up to three years in prison.

(6) “The law emphasizes that owners are responsible for controlling their dogs. This includes using or carrying a leash when taking a dog in public.

For more on New Zealand's proposal, go to LINK 2. And if you think this method or something like it could work in the U.S., contact your state representative.

LINK 1: civildefence.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf (search dog control and click the first link).

LINK 2: www.civildefence.gov

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