100 per cent registration for known dogs

Press Release: Auckland City Council

Auckland City’s high levels of dog registration contribute to lower levels of dog attacks, evidence suggests.

What 'evidence' do they have? How can someone correlate dog registration with low dog attacks? Perhpas there are more dog trainers in the area, or more people sending their dogs to doggy daycare, or perhpas they are bringing them to a well-run puppy class!

Auckland City Council has now achieved 100 per cent registration of the city’s 20,844 known dogs.

Doh! what a silly statement! It's like saying "I can account for all my money!".. it's all in my pocket

There is evidence that high registration levels have a positive effect on lowering incidents of dog aggression to people and animals. In the 2008/2009 year there were 126 reported dog bites, a 53 per cent reduction from the 2002/2003 year when there were 268 reported dog bites. Total reported dog aggression, including attacks on other animals has reduced 68 per cent from 1,032 in the 2003/2004 year to 332 in the 2008/2009 year.

So this is their evidence? What scientific journal has their evidence based research been written in?

The council takes the safety of its residents and their pets seriously. It is a statutory requirement that all dogs be registered with their local council.

Good on ya council! Pat yourself on the back while increasing dog registration fees and getting nothing back in return. (hey, the Council could subsidies overseas dog experts seminars here in NZ)

Or is this 'press release' gearing up to the Super City. I do understand that each Auckland region at the moment has very different fees. Yes, I'm cynical.. as you get older, you do get wiser to these sorts of number maneuvering.

Like I remember the saying in our stats class at university- statistics, statistics, and more lies...

Auckland City Council’s strong dog management policies have resulted in improved public safety and animal welfare - fewer dog attacks, fewer dogs picked up wandering, fewer dogs hurt or killed in traffic accidents and fewer unclaimed dogs euthanised. By enforcing the dog control rules, council encourages dog owners to take their responsibilities more seriously.

“Registering all the city’s dogs contributes to a safer environment for our residents and ratepayers. Puts money in your cofers! The correlation between dog attacks and unregistered dogs shows us just how important it is to ensure our dog owners follow the rules,” says Councillor Aaron Bhatnagar, chairperson of the City Development Committee. No it doesn't! Mr. Bhatnagar didn't come and listen to Dr Ian Dunbar, did he? You can still catch him on Radio NZ with the Kim Hill interview.

If you are the owner of an unregistered dog, you are urged to register your pet now or you risk a fine of up to $300. To register your dog now go to a council services centre, or download a dog registration form from www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dogs or call 379 2020.

Put I thought that 100% of dogs were registered !! Isn't that the title of the press release...

If you have concerns about an unregistered dog in your area, call Auckland City Council on 379 2020 or the council’s animal control services on 360 0750; both numbers are answered 24 hours a day.

but.. but... you said they are all registered!

I guess the Auckland City Council doesn't include South Auckland.

ENDS