May 2008
Registration fees due 1 July
It's that time of year again. Please sign the enclosed dog registration form and pay the fee by 1 July 2008. Registration fees are the same as last year but be aware - late fees will incur a 50 percent surcharge.

You will also need to make changes on the registration form and sign it if:

• your dog has died 
• you have had it desexed 
• you have moved (either in or out of the Wellington city area) 
• the ownership of your dog has changed.

In each case, we need the owner's signed authority so we can make changes to the dog register.

Once you have checked the form, please sign and send it back (or drop it into your nearest library). We will mail your new dog tag to you. Please retain your receipt until you receive the new blue tag and note - tags will not be available from libraries or the city service centre.

Responsible Dog Owner (RDO) status
This scheme rewards responsible dog owners with cheaper fees. To qualify, you need to apply and meet a number of requirements, including paying your registration fees by the 1 July due date.

Those already approved under this scheme, who don't pay by 1 July, will lose their Responsible Dog Owner status and have to pay the entire or desexed registration fee plus a late fee.

For more information on how to qualify as a Responsible Dog Owner check www.Wellington.govt.nz or phone 499 4444•

Questionnaire about dog exercise areas
Included in your registration pack is a questionnaire on your use of dog exercise areas. Later in the year we will be reviewing our Dog Control Policy. In the meantime, we want to gather more information about where dog owners currently exercise their dogs, which designated dog exercise areas are used most/least, and what the barriers to using dog exercise areas are.

Your responses to this questionnaire will help us to plan and provide recreational opportunities for dogs and their owners.

If you wish to have your say on dog exercise areas then please complete and return the questionnaire to us with your signed registration form and payment by 1 July. When the Dog Control Policy is reviewed later in the year, there will be an opportunity for dog owners and others to have a say.

Unregistered dogs - infringement fines and seizures
Please register your dog by 1 July every year. Owners of unregistered dogs risk a $300 fine. People who continue to refuse to register their dogs will have their dogs seized and impounded until full payment is made.

Dog registration is a legal requirement and exists to identify and monitor the dog population. It makes it possible to ensure dog owners get important information that could affect them and makes it easier to reunite lost dogs with their owners.

Microchipping
Microchipping has been in place for two years now. All new puppies have to be registered at three months and must be microchipped during the following two months.

You must also microchip if:

• your dog is classified as dangerous
• your dog is classified as menacing
• your unregistered dog is impounded
• your registered dog has been impounded for the second time.

If your dog is already on our register and you are re-registering this year then you do not need to microchip your dog.

Microchipping was introduced by Parliament to make it easier to track down dogs that get lost and to identify dangerous dogs. If you want more information on microchipping visit the Department of Internal Affairs website www.dia.govt.nz 

Dogs in public places
Please remember that all walkways around the city are dog-on-lead areas. Whenever you have your dog off your property, it must be on a lead. Most areas managed by the Council are considered `public places' so remember to have your dog on a lead at all times (with the exception of designated dog exercise areas). A map showing where dog exercise areas are located is included. For more information check www.Wellington.govt.nz or phone 499 4444•

Prohibited public places
Please remember that dogs are prohibited from certain areas. These include areas with children's play equipment, all sportsfields, and certain beaches. Dogs are also prohibited from the centre of the city between Sam and 6pm daily.

Daylight saving restrictions end
Some beaches have special dog restrictions that apply for the duration of daylight saving. You can now walk your dog during the day on the following beaches:

• Balaena Bay beach
• Hataitai beach
• Island Bay beach (from the pier to the western end of the beach)
• Seatoun beach (including Churchill Park)
• Worser Bay beach

Please note: dogs must still be kept on a leash at all times in these areas. They can only be off lead in designated dog exercise areas.

Dog poo
Help keep our streets and exercise areas clean - it is your responsibility to pick up and dispose of your dog's poo. Specially designed poo bags can be bought from Council's service centres, supermarkets, pet shops and other places. Alternatively, supermarket bags work just as well.

Adoption of dogs
Did you know that Wellington City Council runs a dog adoption programme? DSS Animal Management, contracted by the Council, has dogs for adoption. To find out more, please contact the staff at the Moa Point shelter an 388 8212.