By VERNON SMALL deputy political editor
Action on dangerous dogs has been delayed after Act rebuffed a move to urgently consider new legislation.
Act leader Richard Prebble blocked an attempt to fast-track law changes because he believed a rushed law could be flawed.
New Zealand First MP Dail Jones also objected - but he argued that the Government could move faster by passing a law that had been on the books since 1999.
Local Government Minister Chris Carter said the two parties were playing "petty politics" which meant the public would have to wait longer to be safe from savage dogs.
John Anderson, the father of 7-year-old Carolina Anderson, the girl whose mauling sparked a national outcry in favour of tougher dog laws, said last night that although he was not aware of the mechanics of Parliament, new laws were needed urgently.
"I can understand wanting to draft good legislation, but it is something which needs to be a top priority. We don't need this to languish."
The Government moved earlier yesterday to try to use an existing draft law as the vehicle for changes to toughen dog laws.
Leader of the House Michael Cullen had sought the leave of Parliament to refer to a select committee the Local Government Law Reform Bill (No 2) which, as drafted, would allow a ban on dangerous breeds such as the american pit bull terrier.
That required the unanimous approval of all MPs, but Mr Prebble refused because the Government did not have a clear idea of how the law would be shaped.
Mr Prebble said Act MPs had considered the issue at their caucus meeting yesterday and decided not to agree to the motion.
"The reason for that is not that we don't think there might be a need for a law change, but we think that ... rushed legislation is almost invariably bad."
Mr Jones said the Government's bill could be amended by Parliament without further delays in a select committee.
He suggested amending it so that all registered dogs would be required to have microchip implants identifying their owners. He also sought greater penalties for failing to keep a dog under control.
Mr Carter rejected Mr Jones' plan. He said the Government would now start from scratch and draft a new bill as quickly as possible.
"I cannot understand Act and NZ First's reasoning on this issue. It seems confused and contradictory and will undoubtedly slow Parliament's ability to make changes," he told the House last night.
A spokesman for Mr Carter said using the existing bill would have saved some time by avoiding the need for a first reading.
Mr Carter hopes to complete by the end of the month a review of the existing dog control regime. Work would then begin on the new law.
Chris Carter's press secretary, Nick Maling, said Mr Carter ordered a review of the Dog Control Act a week before Carolina Anderson was attacked and at least 10 days before a coupon lobbying campaign by the Sunday Star-Times.
"Chris was concerned about two or three dog attacks that had happened so he wanted a review to find out what powers there were in the current act, what problems there were with powers and the level of enforcement.
"The attack on Carolina just added impetus to the review."
Helen Clark and Mr Carter will today meet Mr Anderson, Carolina's father, at Parliament.
Mr Anderson said he would present the Government with a submission calling for all dogs to be put on leashes in public and dangerous breeds to be muzzled.
He said it was a simple issue: society had to decide whether "it was on the side of the dog or of people".
Herald feature: When dogs attack
How you can help
A trust fund has been opened for 7-year-old dog attack victim Carolina Anderson. You can send a cheque to: Carolina Anderson Trust Account, BNZ, PO Box 46-294, Herne Bay, or donate over the internet to BNZ account number 020 248 000 3002-000.
The Herald is backing an appeal to raise money for a $150,000 operating-room microscope for Middlemore's plastic surgery unit. The microscope is essential in minute plastic surgery work such as reattaching nerves. Middlemore has two, used on Carolina Anderson and the victims of the Pipiroa sword attack, but they need replacing. Donations can be sent to: The Microsurgery Appeal, Editorial Department, New Zealand Herald, PO Box 706, Auckland.
