Pitbull owners given deadline for dogs neutering

New Zealand -- Pitbull owners given deadline to have dogs neutered

In recent weeks, the aggressive nature of pitbulls has become evident to Aucklanders, after a number of attacks around the city. Auckland City is reminding owners of pitbull terriers that their dogs must be neutered. Reminder letters have been sent this week, setting an 18 February deadline for this to be carried out.

In November 2004, Auckland City sent 120 letters notifying owners of dogs that are of the american pit bull terrier type, that their dog has been classified as menacing under the Dog Control Act 1996.

The letter confirmed that these dogs are identified as menacing under section 33C of the Act and that the owner of the dog must: not allow the dog to be at large or in any public place without being muzzled ensure the dog is neutered ensure the dog is microchipped within two months from 1 July 2006.

Pitbull terriers were originally bred specifically for dog fighting. They are strong and fearless dogs and can cause significant injury when they attack, says Geoff Atherfold, Auckland Citys team leader, compliance monitoring.

The recent attack on a child in Glen Innes by an unregistered pitbull shows what these dogs are capable of.

When the owners were notified of the assessment in November last year, 81 of the 120 dogs were unneutered. This number has now dropped to 63.
Reminder letters sent on Monday to the owners of the 63 dogs told them they must neuter their dog and provide Auckland City with a vets certificate confirming this neutering by Friday 18 February.

Auckland City will issue an infringement notice imposing a $300 fee on any owner missing the deadline. If the fee remains unpaid and the matter proceeds to court, the court may impose a fine of up to $3000. The dog may also be seized and impounded until the owner agrees to neuter it.