Dog levy buys angst, says council
A national dog database is causing a headache for the Queenstown Lakes District Council, which is fielding complaints from annoyed dog owners.
The council is required to pay an annual levy of $2995 for the Department of Internal Affairs-led scheme, which is based on registered dog numbers in the district. What a bureaucracy gone mad. Did you know that in Ottawa, CANADA, dog registration is FREE (if microchipped and neutered) or $20 (if not microchipped and neutered). Ottawa has a population of around 700 000 people. If they can do it, why can't New Zealand?
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Ms Autridge said the levy had merely bought her a lot of angst from the community. "It's just annoying a lot of the community, who thinks it's overly bureaucratic but we don't have much choice."
The database was essentially a double-up where dog owners had to provide another complete set of data, she said. YES, if your dog is registered, your dog is REGISTERED!
Cr Sally Middleton said she could not believe there was no way out of it. "I think it's absolutely ridiculous ... the whole system is just ridiculous and I can't believe the Government doesn't have something better to do." Sounds like Canine Citizen is about to get lauched!
Committee chairwoman Cr Kathy Neal said the database generated $500,000 a year for the Government. Hum... to the government or to all the vets, dog rangers, city councillers (with nothing better to do).. Dog is BUSINESS.
The council is required to pay an annual levy of $2995 for the Department of Internal Affairs-led scheme, which is based on registered dog numbers in the district. What a bureaucracy gone mad. Did you know that in Ottawa, CANADA, dog registration is FREE (if microchipped and neutered) or $20 (if not microchipped and neutered). Ottawa has a population of around 700 000 people. If they can do it, why can't New Zealand?
(...)
Ms Autridge said the levy had merely bought her a lot of angst from the community. "It's just annoying a lot of the community, who thinks it's overly bureaucratic but we don't have much choice."
The database was essentially a double-up where dog owners had to provide another complete set of data, she said. YES, if your dog is registered, your dog is REGISTERED!
Cr Sally Middleton said she could not believe there was no way out of it. "I think it's absolutely ridiculous ... the whole system is just ridiculous and I can't believe the Government doesn't have something better to do." Sounds like Canine Citizen is about to get lauched!
Committee chairwoman Cr Kathy Neal said the database generated $500,000 a year for the Government. Hum... to the government or to all the vets, dog rangers, city councillers (with nothing better to do).. Dog is BUSINESS.
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