Reprieve for farm dogs but issues remain
Matamata farmer Stew Wadey – the senior vice-president of Waikato Federated Farmers – says a full review of the Dog Control Act is still required, despite last week's split vote from the Green Party that gave farm and companion' dogs an exemption from microchipping laws.
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"I believe all of the dogs that attacked people in Auckland were unregistered anyway and officials were still able to track the owners. The victims are rightly entitled to ACC but we all pay levies for that. Responsible owners also pay out to register their dogs to cover the cost of dog control officers. Presumably ratepayers will now be funding the district council's share of maintaining the looming national microchip database," says Mr Wadey.
Although opposed to microchipping, Mr Wadey is adamant we do need a more robust registration regime, based on what is already in place.
"It goes back to rewriting some meaty stuff into the Dog Control Act, not just an amendment. A good adherence to registration was a pivotal instrument in helping eliminate hydatids from New Zealand years ago, when farm dogs were taken to a dosing strip. Since then, attitudes to registration have relaxed and we find ourselves in the situation we are in today."
He sees all sorts of administration issues for the government and says he can see the issue rearing its head again in the run-up to the next election.
As for the national media attention for his dog suit, Mr Wadey says he was wearing it because he drew the short straw among the four-strong delegation – who had thought of a cunning way to bypass legislation preventing dogs from being taken on to the steps of Parliament.
"The stunt has grabbed the front page and we played up for the reporters. But we were there to present our case and 6700 signature petition in a professional manner. I don't mind the fun because it profiles Waikato Federated Farmers and it has given Matamata a buzz. I have had enough offers of dog biscuits to fill my house!"
(...)
"I believe all of the dogs that attacked people in Auckland were unregistered anyway and officials were still able to track the owners. The victims are rightly entitled to ACC but we all pay levies for that. Responsible owners also pay out to register their dogs to cover the cost of dog control officers. Presumably ratepayers will now be funding the district council's share of maintaining the looming national microchip database," says Mr Wadey.
Although opposed to microchipping, Mr Wadey is adamant we do need a more robust registration regime, based on what is already in place.
"It goes back to rewriting some meaty stuff into the Dog Control Act, not just an amendment. A good adherence to registration was a pivotal instrument in helping eliminate hydatids from New Zealand years ago, when farm dogs were taken to a dosing strip. Since then, attitudes to registration have relaxed and we find ourselves in the situation we are in today."
He sees all sorts of administration issues for the government and says he can see the issue rearing its head again in the run-up to the next election.
As for the national media attention for his dog suit, Mr Wadey says he was wearing it because he drew the short straw among the four-strong delegation – who had thought of a cunning way to bypass legislation preventing dogs from being taken on to the steps of Parliament.
"The stunt has grabbed the front page and we played up for the reporters. But we were there to present our case and 6700 signature petition in a professional manner. I don't mind the fun because it profiles Waikato Federated Farmers and it has given Matamata a buzz. I have had enough offers of dog biscuits to fill my house!"
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