Dog seizure legal says council

A Gore woman who filmed and intervened when animal control staff seized an unregistered dog says she will lay a complaint with police.

However, the Gore District Council was within its rights to seize the dog.

Pehni Prattley posted the video on social media on Tuesday, which shows the officers entering a property to take a black dog.

‘‘When I saw the old dog being picked on I thought, what the hell? They’re being so lazy – they could go and deal with the dogs that are causing real problems.’’

Prattley intervened and tried to keep the dog on its owner’s property. The dog was impounded for not being registered, but was claimed by its owner later in the day.

Prattley alleges she was assaulted during the incident.

The council said it would not comment on her allegation of assault in case legal proceedings took place.

In a statement, council regulatory and planning general manager Dr Ian DavidsonWatts said having viewed the video, the council was satisfied staff acted appropriately under the circumstances.

‘‘The council’s animal control staff entered a Gore property yesterday to seize a dog for unpaid registration fees. They were on the property legally and seizing the dog was the culmination of a lengthy process.

‘‘It is an unpleasant task uplifting an innocent dog and much loved pet. However, if registration fees are not paid the council owes it to other dog owners to uphold the law.’’

Davidson-Watts said the council’s registration process for all dog owners is similar to others throughout New Zealand.

Registration renewal notices are sent in June each year, and the deadline to pay dog registrations this present financial year was August 17, 2018.

He said those who don’t pay by the deadline are sent a reminder letter, and if there’s still no payment, they are then sent an infringement notice.