Te whaina kurī me ngā hapa ā-ture Dog fines and infringements

You can get a fine if you do not:

• keep your dog under control
• remove your dog’s poo from a public place
• register your dog
• give your dog enough food, water, shelter and attention
• advise us of a change of dog ownership.

For more information, visit Dog owner's obligations.

We can issue you an infringement notice and charge an infringement fee if you breach the Dog Control Act 1996 or a bylaw made under that act.

We may decide to issue a warning notice instead of an infringement for some offences.

For some offences, the court can impose a higher maximum penalty if we decide to prosecute you.

If your dog has caused injury, damaged property or endangered people or other animals, we can:

• take you to court. In serious cases, the court may imprison you
• seize and impound your dog
• classify your dog as menacing or dangerous
• prevent you from owning or having any dogs in your care for up to five years.

Other people may also take civil or criminal action against you. They may file a lawsuit against you to recover expenses for vet services, medical treatment or property damage.

For a list of infringement types and fees, visit Schedule 1 of the Dog Control Act 1996.