New Zealand Legislation: Acts
Acts are laws made by Parliament
Reprint as at 7 July 2010
| Public Act | 1996 No 13 |
| Date of assent | 2 May 1996 |
| Commencement | see section 1(2) |
Changes authorised by section 17C of the Acts and Regulations Publication Act 1989 have been made in this reprint.
A general outline of these changes is set out in the notes at the end of this reprint, together with other explanatory material about this reprint.
This Act is administered by the Department of Internal Affairs.
1 Short Title and commencement
Functions, duties, and powers of territorial authorities
6 Functions, duties, and powers of territorial authorities
7 Power to appoint joint committees
8 Performance of functions [Repealed]
10 Duty of territorial authorities to adopt policy on dogs
10AA Local authority must review policy if bylaw implementing policy requires review
10A Territorial authority must report on dog control policy and practices
Dog control officers and dog rangers
13 Dog control officer and dog ranger to produce warrant of authority and evidence of identity
15 Power of dog control officer or dog ranger to feed and shelter dogs
16 Districts in which dog control officer or dog ranger may exercise powers
17 Powers of warranted officers
18 Wilful obstruction of dog control officer or dog ranger
19 Power of constable, dog control officer, or dog ranger to request information about owner
19A Power of constable, dog control officer, or dog ranger to request information about dog
21 Classification of probationary owners
22 Objection to classification as probationary owner
23A Territorial authority may require probationary owner to undertake training
24 Obligation of probationary owners to dispose of unregistered dogs
26 Objection to disqualification
29 Probationary classification and disqualification to extend over New Zealand
30 Maintenance of records and provision of information
30AA Territorial authority may retain information about infringement notice until infringement fee paid
Prohibition on import of certain dogs
30A Prohibition on import of dogs listed in Schedule 4
31 Territorial authority to classify dangerous dogs
32 Effect of classification as dangerous dog
32A Dangerous dog classification to extend over New Zealand
33 Territorial authority's consent to disposal of dangerous dog
33A Territorial authority may classify dog as menacing
33B Objection to classification of dog under section 33A
33C Dogs belonging to breed or type listed in Schedule 4 to be classified as menacing
33D Objection to classification of dog under section 33C
33E Effect of classification as menacing dog
33EA Menacing dog classification to extend over New Zealand
33EB Territorial authority (other than classifying authority) may require neutering of menacing dog
33EC Offence to fail to comply with section 33E(1) or 33EB
33ED Territorial authority to classify certain dogs as dangerous or menacing
33F Owner must advise person with possession of dangerous or menacing dog of requirement to muzzle and leash dog in public
Registration and registration fees
35 Supply of register information
35A National dog control information database
35AB National dog control information database may contain additional information supplied by territorial authority
35B Levy to fund costs of national dog control information database
36 Application for registration
36A Microchip transponder must be implanted in certain dogs
37 Territorial authority to set fees
38 Registration fee for certain dogs registered on or after 2 August
39 Refund and reduction of fees
41 Penalty for false statement relating to application for registration
42 Offence of failing to register dog
43 Registration of impounded dog, dog in quarantine, or dog in custody of society established to prevent cruelty to animals [Repealed]
44 Dog not wearing proper label or disc deemed unregistered
45 Burden of proof on owner of dog
46 Issue of label or disc and completion of registration
47 Registration to extend over New Zealand
49 Transfer of dog from one address or district to another
50 Dog not wearing proper label or disc may be impounded
51 Offences relating to collars, labels, and discs
52A Control of dog on owner's property
53 Offence of failing to keep dog under control
54A Owner must use or carry leash in public
56 Removal of barking dog causing distress
57 Dogs attacking persons or animals
57A Dogs rushing at persons, animals, or vehicles
58 Dogs causing serious injury
59 Seizure or destruction of dog at large in vicinity of protected wildlife
60 Seizure or destruction of dog running at large among stock or poultry
61 Orders relating to dog seen worrying stock
62 Allowing dogs known to be dangerous to be at large unmuzzled
63 Owner liable for damage done by dog
64 Procedure where order made for destruction of dog
67 Provision of pound facilities
69 Impounding and subsequent disposal of dog
69A Impounded dog must be microchipped and registered before release
70 Custody of dog removed for barking
71 Retention of dog threatening public safety
71A Disposal of dog seized under section 15 or 33EC
71B District Court to determine appeal
72 Offence to release dog from custody
72A Power of dog control officer or dog ranger to seize released dog
73 No liability where dog wounded in attempt to destroy
74 Limitation of liability for damage
76 Giving and content of notices
78A Regulations adding further breed or type to Schedule 4
78B Procedure for bringing Order in Council made under section 78A into force
78C Matters to which Minister must have regard before recommending Order in Council under section 78A
78D Regulations authorising organisation to certify dogs as disability assist dogs
Schedule 1
Infringement offences and fees
Schedule 4
Breed and type of dog subject to ban on importation and muzzling
Dog Control Amendment Act 2003
An Act—
(a) to make better provision for the control of dogs; and
(b) to make better provision in relation to damage caused by dogs; and
(c) to repeal the Dog Control and Hydatids Act 1982 and its amendments