By VERNON SMALL
The Government has succeeded in fast-tracking a new law to control dangerous dogs.
Leader of the House Michael Cullen yesterday won majority support for a non-debatable motion to refer the Local Government Law Reform Bill (No 2), to the local government select committee.
The Bill has been before Parliament since 1999, although all parts but the one dealing with dangerous dogs have been passed into law.
The part covering dogs was held back because of concerns about how it would work.
As drafted it would specifically ban american pitbull terriers and allow other breeds to be added to a restricted list.
At the select committee, which will hear public submissions, the Government plans to make a series of amendments including clarification of the right of dog rangers to enter private property.
Prime Minister Helen Clark also said last week that it was clearly no longer satisfactory for some breeds known to be dangerous to wander the street unmuzzled and unleashed. Local authorities have been asked to complete a survey on the issue by the end of March. Officials will report on policy options to a Cabinet sub-committee, also by the end of March. The new law will complete its passage through Parliament by June at the earliest.
Pressure for change came after a spate of attacks by dogs, mostly on children, including the mauling of 7-year-old Carolina Anderson. Following that attack, the Herald launched an appeal for two operating-room microscopes at Middlemore Hospital.
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.
