Dog Control Infringements and Offences
When it comes to dog control, Hurunui District Council’s aim is to encourage responsible dog ownership through education and early intervention, wherever possible.
However, when offences occur, particularly those that affect public safety, infringements or formal charges may be issued under the Dog Control Act 1996.
This page explains how infringements work, the types of offences, and what happens if offending continues.
Common Dog Control Infringements
The most common reasons for infringement notices include:
- Failing to register your dog
- Failing to keep your dog under effective control
- Failing to keep your dog on a leash in leash‑control areas
- Failure to comply with a menacing or dangerous dog classification.
The infringement fees for each offence are set by legislation and cannot be altered by Council.
You can view the full list of offences and fees in Schedule 1 of the Dog Control Act 1996
How We Make Decisions
Although the Dog Control Act specifies the offences, there is still room for professional judgment in how each situation is handled.
When deciding whether to issue an infringement, Animal Control Officers consider:
- The seriousness of the incident
- Any history of previous issues
- The risk posed to people or animals
- The owner’s actions before and after the incident
- Whether education or a warning is more appropriate
- Evidence available to support enforcement action.
This approach ensures enforcement is fair, consistent, and proportionate rather than simply punitive.
Repeat Offences and Disqualification
The Dog Control Act includes a specific consequence for repeat offending:
If a person receives three infringements relating to separate incidents within any 24‑month period, they must be disqualified from owning dogs.
However, the Act also allows for limited discretion. Council may decide not to disqualify a person if the circumstances show that:
- disqualification would be disproportionate or not warranted, or
- it is more appropriate to classify the person as a probationary owner instead.
This decision is based on the nature of the offences, the risk posed, and any steps taken by the owner to improve their dog control practices. If disqualification is avoided under this provision, Council will clearly explain the reasons and any conditions or expectations that apply (such as probationary owner requirements).
What disqualification means
A disqualified person:
- Cannot own a dog
- Cannot have possession of a dog
- Must rehome any dogs they currently own within a set timeframe.
Council will work with the owner to ensure this happens lawfully and safely.
Disqualification is a significant step and is aimed at addressing persistent failing rather than one‑off mistakes. Disqualification can be for a period of up to five years.
A probationary owner is allowed to continue to own dogs registered to them but must not acquire any new dogs.
Your Rights if You Receive an Infringement
Every infringement notice includes clear information (printed on the reverse of the notice) explaining your rights and options, including:
- How to pay the infringement
- How to request a waiver or cancellation
- How to dispute the infringement through the court.
If you believe an infringement has been issued in error, or you need clarification, please contact the Animal Control Team as soon as possible so we can discuss the situation with you.
Offences That May Lead to Prosecution
More serious offences, such as dog attacks, may result in prosecution rather than an infringement.
In these cases, the matter is dealt with through the District Court, and penalties can include:
- Fines
- Court‑ordered dog destruction
- Court‑ordered disqualification
- Court‑mandated neutering
- Requirements for secure fencing or containment.
These decisions depend on the seriousness of the incident and the available evidence.
