The Government is certainly walking the talk on dog control issues and, if its latest proposals get legs, owners of dangerous breeds will be in the doghouse along with their canine companions.
The second portion of proposals in the Government’s national action plan to reduce dog attacks puts the onus firmly on owners. They will require a "high-risk dog owner licence" from their council if their dog is classified dangerous or menacing. To get a licence, owners must meet strict criteria: their dog’s temperament will be assessed and their property inspected, they must demonstrate they are capable of owning a high-risk dog, and understand their legal obligations.
Other new proposals include restrictions on SPCA adoptions, stricter penalties for owners of dogs that attack — including on private property — the power to regulate dog breeders and improving data-gathering on dog attacks.
After no progress, and seemingly little will to change, action is coming thick and fast. It is not before time. There has been year after year of public outrage following horrific dog attacks. Children have borne the brunt as many attacks take place in the home and youngsters, being smaller and less mobile, are less able to protect themselves. But awful harm has been done to adults, too. The incidents are terrifying and traumatic for all those involved. That they often involve a loved family pet makes the situation worse.
It seems public pressure and a looming election year have finally made a positive mark.
Last week marked the official start of a previously announced trial — a discounted neutering, microchipping and registration programme. This is a joint central and local government initiative, to start in Rotorua and Opotiki, with the potential to roll it out elsewhere. It will, hopefully, begin to make a difference to dangerous dog numbers and councils’ ability to monitor dangerous dogs.
The proposals may seem draconian to some, but given the number of attacks — more than 10,000 a year — are clearly necessary.
Putting the onus on owners is sensible. This is the case with firearms licensing, in which ownership is considered a privilege, not a right. There is the incentive for owners to meet the expectations if they want to retain their precious pet. Responsible owners should not be affected.
Dogs are invaluable companions to many people, and more often than not seen as part of the family. New Zealand has the highest proportion of households with pets in the world (68%) and New Zealanders spent $797millon on their dogs in 2015, (slightly more than the $747million spent on cats in the same period).
Our farming heritage has likely contributed to the value we place on animals, but pets provide myriad benefits — teaching us about love, care and respect, and providing us with meaningful companionship, which can have physical and mental health benefits. The need for this may increase as we get older, live longer, and as more people live alone.
The issue of dog control often gets owners hot under the collar. But owning a pet involves responsibilities. If owners cannot or will not control their dogs, the authorities are right to step in. Public safety is necessary and imperative for those who cannot protect themselves.
All sides of the debate will have a chance to be aired and concerns addressed when the Government introduces legislation on its proposals in February next year. But owners should start preparing themselves (and training their animals if necessary), as they may find themselves on a short leash indeed.
