Dog registration fees in the Whakatāne District will increase slightly for the 2023/24 year, which starts on 1 July. While the fees remained the same for the past two years and increase in operational costs and inflation means Council can no longer hold fees and chargers at the current level.
The decision was made to increase all fees and chargers by eight per cent at an Ordinary Council meeting today (25 May).
The 2023/24 registration fee for a de-sexed (neutered) dog or a working dog is $63, provided payment is made on or before Tuesday, 1 August 2023, or $94 if paid after this date. The fee for registering an entire (unneutered) dog is $90, increasing to $135 if paid after 1 August.
Certified disability assist dogs and dogs used by Government agencies for specific purposes (such as law enforcement or biosecurity) are free of charge. For dogs under 12 months old, a proportion of the applicable fee will be charged. A reminder that all dogs over three months old must be registered.
Impounding fees are also increasing and have been set at $65 for a first impounding; $97 for a second impounding; and $130 for a third and subsequent impounding. Additional charges apply for dog food and after-hours impoundment after 5pm and before 8am each day.
Registration application forms will be posted in mid-June to all known dog owners. All dogs are legally required to be registered and failure to do so is an offence under the Dog Control Act 1996.
More information about animal control, including dog registration fees can be found here.