New Zealand Acts

DOG CONTROL ACT 1996

- As at 5 April 2025
- Act 13 of 1996

TABLE OF PROVISIONS

           Long Title

   1.      Short Title and commencement
   2.      Interpretation
   3.      Act to bind the Crown
   4.      Objects
   5.      Obligations of dog owners
   6.      Functions, duties, and powers of territorial authorities
   7.      Power to appoint joint committees
   8.      Performance of functions
   9.      Revenue
   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
   11.     Dog control officers
   12.     Dog rangers
   13.     Dog control officer and dog ranger to produce warrant of authority and evidence of identity
   14.     Power of entry
   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
   20.     Dog control bylaws
   21.     Classification of probationary owners
   22.     Objection to classification as probationary owner
   23.     Probationary owners
   23A.    Territorial authority may require probationary owner to undertake training
   24.     Obligation of probationary owners to dispose of unregistered dogs
   25.     Disqualification of owners
   26.     Objection to disqualification
   27.     Appeal to District Court
   28.     Effect of 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
   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
   34.     Dogs register
   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
   40.     Proof of class of dog
   41.     Penalty for false statement relating to application for registration
   41A.    Dead dogs
   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
   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
   48.     Change of ownership of dog
   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
   52.     Control of dogs generally
   52A.    Control of dog on owner's property
   53.     Offence of failing to keep dog under control
   54.     Obligations of dog owner
   54A.    Owner must use or carry leash in public
   55.     Barking dogs
   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
   65.     Infringement offences
   66.     Infringement notices
   66A.    Jurisdiction for category 1 offences
   67.     Provision of pound facilities
   68.     Pound fees
   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
   75.     Disability assist dogs
   76.     Giving and content of notices
   77.     Application of fines
   78.     Regulations
   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 amending Schedule 5
   79.     Consequential amendments
   80.     Repeals
           SCHEDULE 1
           SCHEDULE 2
           SCHEDULE 3
           SCHEDULE 4
           SCHEDULE 5