Auckland Council is offering an amnesty to owners of menacing dogs -- particularly American Pit Bulls across the city, in a bid to reduce the number of vicious attacks.
The Council launched the initiative at its Animal Management Operations Centre in south Auckland this morning.
The amnesty will run until June 30 allowing dog owners to register, micro-chip, and de-sex their dogs without facing a $300 fine. The registration fee will also be waived for the 2016/ 2017 year.
Registration and micro-chipping is currently a mandatory requirement.
The Council says anyone caught with an unregistered menacing dog over the 10-week amnesty period will be given the opportunity to work with it, but if they refuse they'll face a fine and have their dog seized.
Papakura's MP, Minister of Corrections and Police Minister Judith Collins says she has seen enough dog attacks in her electorate, and it is time to make a notable change.
"When I think about all the effort that responsible dog owners like myself go to, to make sure that our dogs are properly trained -- that they understand that they do not attack people. That's the sort of thing that we'd like to see right throughout the community."
Following the amnesty the city's animal management team will launch a widespread enforcement campaign to crack down on dog owners flouting the rules.
Councillor Calum Penrose says the spate of recent attacks highlights the need for action.
"A dog attack affects and entire community. It leaves the victims with permanent scars, both physically and emotionally."
Mr Penrose is also calling on wider action at Government level, and wants all councils to introduce similar measures.
"I'd like to see the Dog Control Act amended to include compulsory de-sexing of menacing dogs unless lineage can be proven, the certification of owners of menacing dogs, and a formal definition of an American Pit Bull".
It's a sentiment Ms Collins agrees with.
"Auckland can do what it can, but actually other districts need to come to the party. That's where Government needs to step in."
Police, St John, Housing NZ and Police Minister Judith Collins were all at this morning's announcement.
The Council says in November 2014 there were 58 recorded attacks and 55 bites. By January this year those numbers reached an all-time high with 113 attacks, and 90 bites recorded.
Newshub.
