Some councils breaking microchip dog law says SDC

Several local bodies were breaking the law with their lenient approach to dog microchipping, according to the Southland District Council.
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Southland District Council regulatory services group manager Lindsay McKenzie said many dogs that moved into the council's jurisdiction that should be chipped weren't.

"It's a requirement of the act. We enforce it but obviously some councils in New Zealand don't," he said.

Many owners were unaware of the law, asking why previous councils had not enforced it, Mr McKenzie said.

Councils were technically breaking the law by not enforcing microchipping, he said.

"It's inconvenient, it's inconsistent.

Perhpas Councils have better things to do with their time!

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Microchipping was not a top priority unless the dog was wandering, menacing or unregistered, a spokesman said.

"Essentially if a dog doesn't do anything to bring itself to our attention we're not going out of our way to chase them down and get them chipped."

Invercargill City Council animal control officer Steven Boyd said while owners were liable for fines under the law, the council was not actively pursuing or issuing fines itself.

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An estimated 90 per cent of owners were complying with the microchipping laws in the region, he said.

So what's the problem?