New Zealand Acts

DOG CONTROL ACT 1996 - SECT 54A

54A Owner must use or carry leash in public

1 The owner of a dog must carry a leash when in a public place if—

a) the dog is with the owner; and

b) the dog is not otherwise required to be controlled on a leash by or under this Act or any other enactment.

2 Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500 who, being the owner of a dog, fails to comply with subsection (1).

3 This section does not apply to the owner of a working dog in relation to the working dog.

History: Section 54A: inserted, on 1 December 2003, by section 34 of the Dog Control Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 119).   Section 54A(1): substituted, on 7 July 2004, by section 20(1) of the Dog Control Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 61).     Section 54A(2): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).     Section 54A(3): amended, on 7 July 2004, by section 20(2) of the Dog Control Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 61).