Fines for cold dog owners

Kapiti SPCA manager Peter McCallum, pictured with 1-year-old Duke, is using the Animal Welfare Act to remind people of their obligations as pet owners over winter. Photo: Cloe Willetts

People could face hefty court fines if dog kennels do not meet code of welfare regulations under the Animal Welfare Act, according to Kapiti SPCA manager Peter McCallum.

"It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act not to provide an animal with adequate shelter," said Mr McCallum, who has seen a rise in kennel-related callouts since Kapiti's bitter weather set in.

"Penalties can go right up to $100,000, and through the act we have the power to enter a property and conduct search warrants, should there be concern."

According to the act's Code of Welfare, dogs need access to shelter that "provides warmth, and is free from draughts and excessive heat or cold, to meet their physical needs".

The legislation states dogs need a dry bed and enough space to lie down, stand and turn around, and should ensure they are "able to urinate and defecate away from the sleeping area, (with) ventilation provided".

Wanting to remind people of their legal obligations as dog owners over winter, Mr McCallum said generally callouts stem from a lack of education.

"I'm getting a lot of dogs that may be free-ranging on properties, who either don't have proper kennels or these aren't terribly water or draft proof, or are without bedding.

"I often see dogs sleeping on a veranda area for instance, which is open to wind and rain, and then people argue it's shelter.

"It's not, as it doesn't provide insulation on a cold night - they need a kennel or access to a shed."

As well as raising kennels slightly off the ground to allow ventilation, Mr McCallum said warm bedding is essential.

"For dogs who pull their blankets out or rip them up, using lots of straw works as an insulator and is really cheap, at around $8 for a bail, and lasts ages."

He said horses should also be covered during the winter months, and moved and checked regularly.

"The cold can lead to physical and stress-related illness, so pets need to be kept warm on these cold nights, and brought inside if possible.

"People need to think about their animals while they're sitting inside toasty warm in front of the heater."