Dog Control Act 1996

Menacing dogs

33E: Effect of classification as menacing dog

You could also call this:

"What happens if your dog is classified as menacing and what rules you must follow"

If your dog is classified as a menacing dog under section 33A or section 33C, you must follow some rules. You must not let your dog be in a public place without being muzzled, unless it is in a vehicle or cage. You must also make sure your dog is muzzled so it can't bite, but can still breathe and drink.

You may need to get a certificate from a veterinarian to show that your dog is neutered. If your dog can't be neutered, the veterinarian will say why and when it can be done. You will need to get another certificate when your dog is neutered.

There are some exceptions to these rules, like if the territorial authority says your dog doesn't need to be muzzled in certain situations.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM375112.


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33D: Objection to classification of dog under section 33C, or

"Objecting to your dog being called menacing"


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33EA: Menacing dog classification to extend over New Zealand, or

"Menacing dogs are classified as menacing everywhere in New Zealand."

33EEffect of classification as menacing dog

  1. If a dog is classified as a menacing dog under section 33A or section 33C, the owner of the dog—

  2. must not allow the dog to be at large or in any public place or in any private way, except when confined completely within a vehicle or cage, without being muzzled in such a manner as to prevent the dog from biting but to allow it to breathe and drink without obstruction; and
    1. must, if required by the territorial authority, within 1 month after receipt of notice of the classification, produce to the territorial authority a certificate issued by a veterinarian certifying—
      1. that the dog is or has been neutered; or
        1. that for reasons that are specified in the certificate, the dog will not be in a fit condition to be neutered before a date specified in the certificate; and
        2. must, if a certificate under paragraph (b)(ii) is produced to the territorial authority, produce to the territorial authority, within 1 month after the date specified in that certificate, a further certificate under paragraph (b)(i).
          1. Repealed
          2. Repealed
          3. Repealed
          4. Subsection (1)(a) does not apply in respect of any dog or class of dog that the territorial authority considers need not be muzzled in any specified circumstances (for example, at a dog show).

          Notes
          • Section 33E: inserted, on , by section 21 of the Dog Control Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 119).
          • Section 33E(1)(b): amended, on , by section 29(4) of the Dog Control Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 23).
          • Section 33E(2): repealed, on , by section 29(5) of the Dog Control Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 23).
          • Section 33E(3): repealed, on , by section 29(5) of the Dog Control Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 23).
          • Section 33E(4): repealed, on , by section 29(5) of the Dog Control Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 23).
          • Section 33E(5): amended, on , by section 12 of the Dog Control Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 61).