Deadline looms for dog owners

Andrew McEwan, dog ranger for South Wairarapa District Council, says dog-owners who pay by July 31 will avoid a late payment penalty.

Despite the deadline looming, just under half of South Wairarapa dog owners are yet to register their animals.

Andrew McEwan, dog ranger for South Wairarapa District Council, says people can avoid the late fee if they pay by July 31.

A 50 per cent penalty is added on to the registration fee if the forms are late.

That means for a neutered urban dog, the owner could be stung with a total fee of $123 instead of $82.

Mr McEwan said council was not too concerned as it happened every year but encouraged people to comply soon.

"We get a big rush at the end, so we are expecting a rush."

There are about 1600 dog owners but Mr McEwan said one owner could own several dogs.

Dogs found with no registration tags would be taken to the pound.

Unregistered dogs can be seized and owners can face prosecution or fines.