Dog Control officers need leash

Residents in Stokes Valley claim they are being intimidated by dog control officers.

Tougher dog control laws were introduced in New Zealand after a spate of high profile attacks but some people in the small Hutt Valley suburb feel stronger controls are needed over those who enforce the law. Well, so what we said has come true!! We submitted to the Select Committee for the new dog laws, and they didn't actually adopt anything we said. We knew that more rules meant that those in a uniform feel 'empowered' to bully with impunity. We had in Christchurch, and now in Stokes Valley. And that is only what we hear....

Resident Chris Boyce claims he was physically assaulted by a dog control officer in 2005 after he failed to re-register his elderly dog, Buster.

Boyce said he felt powerless against these uniformed officers who "wander round like policemen". He had not registered his dog as it was about to be put down. That is reasonable and during those final days with your dog, the last thing you want is to be intimidated by these folks!

The Hutt City Council later apologised and Animal Services Officer Les Dalton admitted there had been a misunderstanding. A misunderstanding !! Is that what they now call it?! Why can't they apologise without a needed to justify themselves.

But the local veterinary clinic says it was not an isolated incident and there have been plenty of negative stories about dog control officers in the area.

Vet nurse Lorna Hughes says allegations of physical and verbal abuse have been common. She added that "all sorts of complaints have come over the years but nothing has ever been done". Interestingly, around 5 years ago when our dog was sitting on our front yard waiting for us (yes, he wandered and we HAD to leave for an important appointment! ) a dog pound guy came around.

He tried to get our dog off of our property by bribing it with meat or something. Our neighbour (great neighbours we have) saw this, and demanded that the dog pound guy release the dog (our dog). The dog pound didn't want to, but our neighour threatened to 'complain'. That did wonders... and yes, we didn't complain to the city officials. But we would NOW!

Council spokesman Don Carson admits to some community disquiet but says it is difficult to address as they have not received any complaints. He says until they do, they will continue to support their officers. Everyone fells compelled to complain about a dog barking, but never about how it was handled. What I really resent is that when you do complain about "dog bullies" they hide behind their own.... What I want to see is

Les Dalton concurs with this view. He denies his officers are intimidating and adds that they are a very experienced team. Let me see their qualifications! I will email them, and ask how they got qualified. I'll keep you posted.

The council did admit though that they are considering some changes in their approach. It's about fregging time!