Microchips and muzzles as Government tightens dog law

By FRANCESCA MOLD and NATASHA HARRIS

New dog owners will have to get microchips embedded under the skin of their dogs as part of a tough new regime designed to crack down on vicious attacks.

The Government yesterday revealed a raft of law changes to tighten dog controls on New Zealand's 400,000 dogs, including requiring all newly registered dogs to be microchipped by July 2006.

Computer chips will be injected under the skin on the dog's neck.

The $16 chip - expected to cost $65 to $95 once inserted by a vet - will carry an identification number that can be checked by dog control officers when they pass a scanner over the skin.

A national database will also be set up to track dangerous dogs and to provide more accurate information on the breeds most likely to attack.

Yesterday's announcement follows a public outcry at the savage mauling of Carolina Anderson, aged 7, by an american staffordshire terrier at a park in February.

Local Government Minister Chris Carter said he had received 10,000 letters from concerned New Zealanders since the attack.

The Government's response to that incident would include banning the importation of american pit bulls, brazilian filas, japanese tosas and dogo argentinos.

Dogs of the fighting breeds already in New Zealand, would have to be muzzled in public.

Councils will be given the power to muzzle other potentially dangerous dogs, based on their behaviour, size and temperament. This would help them deal with cross-breeds not covered by the ban.

Maximum penalties for offences under the Dog Control Act will jump to three years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. Previously, it was three months in jail and a $5000 fine.

The law changes will create big costs for some homeowners, including having a securely fenced area for all dogs by mid-2006. Homeowners will also have to ensure that visitors to their property can reach at least one door without having to walk through an area with a dog.

This could create difficulties for people with guard dogs.

"Frankly, some guard dogs in this country are so dangerous it is equivalent to having a loaded gun by the door," said Mr Carter. "I don't think it is unreasonable to expect every household to be accessible at least at one point where you're not going to be savagely attacked."

A spokesman for Carolina Anderson's family said they were encouraged by the new laws but they believed other dangerous dog breeds needed to be looked at, including staffordshire terriers, labradors and alsatians. He commended the Government for acting quickly on dog control but said there was "a lot more devil in the detail" to come.

One of the two owners of the dog that attacked Carolina, Brian Hill, described the new law as "really, really sad".

The Act Party signalled it would oppose the law changes. Leader Richard Prebble said the new laws would just add more regulation, costs and fines on law-abiding owners.

"The problem has never been about a lack of laws, but a lack of targeted enforcement against criminals who own dogs."

Mr Carter said the Government did not want to prevent people owning dogs, but it was vital the public was protected.

The new rules

* All newly registered dogs to have microchips embedded by July 2006.

* Four fighting dog breeds to be muzzled in public.

* Securely fenced areas for dogs by mid-2006.

* Maximum penalties: three years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

* The cost: $65-$95 for the microchip PLUS the cost of fencing.

What happens next

* The new rules go before the local government select committee.

* Public will have a chance to make submissions.