By ROSALEEN MacBRAYNE
More people are dobbing in dogs since the savaging of 7-year-old Carolina Anderson at a Westmere park two weeks ago.
And dog-owners - aware now, if not before, of the $200 penalty for unregistered dogs - are lining up to do their civic duty.
Although more dog-related calls are flooding in, most are not serious complaints. People are reporting perceived or potential danger that they may have ignored before, say animal control officers.
In Auckland, the city council has welcomed a drop in the number of dogs not on leads in public places. The council's two-week blitz, which involves two extra staff helping to patrol city parks, reserves and beaches, was attracting strong support. nte Forty dog-owners had been issued with $200 instant fines in the past seven days for failing to have their pets on a leash in public places.
Compliance monitoring manager Barry Smedts said 247 dogs had been registered so far this month, compared with 281 for the whole of February last year.
The Whangarei District Council has had a noticeable increase in registration of dogs.
Hamilton rangers have been busy responding to complaints, many of which lack substance.
The Palmerston North City Council has increased dog patrol time by 10 hours a week, in response to public jitters.
Although there is no rush to voluntarily register dogs in Rotorua, district council staff are in the throes of their annual door-to-door survey, which has unearthed a number of unlicensed animals.
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.
