Special Owner Classification Policy

Kaupapahere Whakarōpūtanga Rangatira Motuhake

Special Owner Policy Classification

To qualify for the Special Owner Policy Classification the dog’s owner must meet the following criteria. If your application is granted you will receive a reduction in registration fees.

Dog Owners who consider they qualify for a reduction in registration cost under the Special Owner Policy Classification will need to comply with the following requirements.

Urban dog owners registering their dog for the first time in the District 

• Must have a fully fenced section and comply with fencing criteria (printed on reverse side of form), OR have an alternative means of keeping dog(s) on the property at all times.

Owners that have had dogs in the past or applying after they have registered their dog must meet the following criteria

• No outstanding registration or penalty fees or infringements
• Have not been the subject of justified complaints or successful prosecutions within the previous 2 years.
• Have not had a dog impounded within the previous 2 years. 
• Meet fencing criteria (see reverse side of form), OR have an alternative means of keeping dog(s) on the property at all times.

A property inspection is required to be carried out by the Dog Control Officer before approval of the Special Owner Policy Classification is granted or declined.

Fencing Criteria

To qualify for the Special Owner Policy Classification the dog owner’s property will need to have fencing which meet the following criteria:

1. Fencing must be of a sufficient height to prevent the dog(s) jumping over. As a guide, a minimum height of 1.5 metres above ground level (inside the property) may be sufficient for standard breeds, while 0.8 metres may be suf- ficient for miniature breeds.
2. Area of fenced section is to be no less than 200m2 or 100m2 for miniature breeds.
3. Every gate or door in the fence shall be kept closed while not in use.
4. Every gate or door in the fence shall be fitted with a latching device.
5. The fencing shall be constructed with permanent materials and in such a manner that will prevent the dog(s) from digging under or passing through any part of the fence.
6. The fencing shall be constructed in such a manner that will prevent the dog(s) from being able to put its/their head(s) through any gap or other opening in the fence. This section shall only apply in respect of those parts of the fencing which border any public place, private way or other private property.
7. Owners must notify Council of any changes of address and if moving to a fenced property, will need to re-apply.

Alternative means of keeping dog(s) inside the Property

1. Kennel and Cage / Run
   This will allow the dog to be safely contained without danger or entanglement or slipping out of his/her collar. The run should be proportional to the needs of each dog.
2. Running Wire
   A strong wire should be set up with the dog’s chain attached to the wire through a swivel. A limiting device needs to be used on each end of the wire to prevent the dog from becoming entangled.
   NEVER secure your dog to a raised area such as a deck or terrace, or next to a fence. If the dog jumps off the side or over the railings, strangulation is likely to occur.

Which ever method you choose, remember that your dog requires regular time-out for toilet and exercise and fresh water is to be available at all times.