Reponsible (sic) dog owners 'carrying costs'

Timaru-

Dog control costs should be borne by all ratepayers, according to the owner of 10 dogs Heather Tee.

The Pleasant Point dog breeder believes dog owners who register their dogs are unfairly carrying the burden for all dogs.

She is upset the Timaru District Council's long term plan has signalled dog fees will increase in the future, especially after a rise last year.

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Ms Tee only pays $20 per dog, cheaper than what she would pay if she lived in town as she lives on a farm near Pleasant Point. The fee increased in 2006 from $12.

"It was $12 for the first dog and then a smaller charge for each additional dog. Now it is a flat rate of $20 per dog.

The increase in fees had benefited responsible dog owners "not one iota" she said.MORE>>