Dog owners may face pet death fine

[bigdoglover]

tvnc.co.nz

The controversy over the dog micro-chipping law has been fuelled even more by the debate over an additional clause in the legislation.

The select committee has included a fine that owners could face if they neglect to notify local councils when their dog has died.

And it is feared that fines could go as high as $100.

"The councils are saying it's a select few that it's happening with, so why are we having negative legislation like this instead of a campaign to educate people?" says Kennel Club President Lesley Chalmers.

But those that support the amendment claim money is being wasted chasing up owners for unpaid registration fees for dead dogs.

"It's a reality that money talks. A hundred dollars isn't a lot, but to most people it's a lot to make them sit up and think and actually take responsibility for what is a requirement by law, to let us know that their dog has died," says Marlborough District Councillor Russell Montgomery.

But dog owners are furious.

"The proposed legislation give owners only 28 days to notify the councils of the death of a pet, what grieving owner is going to think about that?" says Chalmers.

The debate over the bill will continue in parliament on Thursday.