Pound information

If an incident is reported, it is Waikato District Council’s priority to remove the dog from the situation to minimise risk to people and/or animals in close proximity while we assess the situation.

It is our policy is to seize all dogs that have attacked or has been perceived to have been aggressive.

When your dog has been impounded, the Animal Control Officer will give you a seizure and impounding notice (section 69 letter) which will detail:

• the reason your dog was removed,
• the pound your dog has been taken to,
• the date and time you have to claim your dog by.
  

You must go to the nearest Waikato District Council office and pay all fees owing by the date specified on the section 69 letter.

Once you have claimed your dog and paid all applicable fees and if an investigation is ongoing  you may be given a section 71 letter. This letter advises that the dog may be retained under the Section 71(2) of the Dog Control Act 1996, pending the conclusion of an investigation.

If the incident is considered serious, Waikato District Council may decide to prosecute the dog owner or person in charge of the dog.

You may apply to get your dog released back to you by writing a letter addressed to the Animal Control team leader.

You must give reasons why the dog should be released and give an explanation of how you will prevent your dog from attacking or being perceived to be aggressive again e.g. fix gates, make them higher, padlock gates, etc.

An Animal Control Officer will visit your property to inspect that it is safe, and the dog can be appropriately confined. They will advise you if further work is required to improve the chances of your dog being released.

The team leader will then take the property inspection, as well as the history of the dog and dog owner into account when making a decision regarding the risk to the public or property if the dog was to be released.

If release is approved you will be given aa letter stating the conditions that must be upheld in order for the dog to return to your property.

If you fail to adhere to the conditions of release your dog will be impounded again.

You must go to your nearest Waikato District Council office and pay any remaining fees owing, such as the daily sustenance fees for looking after your dog, and confirm acceptance of the conditions of release, then your dog can return home with you.

If the team leader declines your application for release of the dog, it will stay in the shelter until the investigation/prosecution has been finalised. You can appeal the decision.

You will need to pay the daily sustenance fees associated with your dog.

 
The file will continue to be investigated and reviewed by our legal team for appropriate action, and the Animal Control Officer or legal team will keep you informed of progress.