Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Dog Control Act 1996

Obligations of owner

59: Seizure or destruction of dog at large in vicinity of protected wildlife

You could also call this:

"What happens if your dog is loose near protected animals"

If you have a dog that is running free near protected wildlife, you need to know what can happen. If your dog is disturbing or threatening the wildlife, someone can take action. This someone can be the person in charge of the land where your dog is, or a police officer, dog control officer, or dog ranger with their permission.

They can either catch your dog or destroy it right away. If someone other than a dog control officer or dog ranger catches your dog, they must give it back to you or take it to a dog control officer or dog ranger. You should be aware that this is part of the law to protect wildlife.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM375417.

Topics:
Crime and justice > Police and safetyEnvironment and resources > Conservation
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"Dogs that seriously hurt people or animals can get their owners in big trouble"

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60: Seizure or destruction of dog running at large among stock or poultry, or

"What happens if a dog is running loose near your farm animals"

59Seizure or destruction of dog at large in vicinity of protected wildlife

  1. Where any dog is at large and is an immediate disturbance or threat to any protected wildlife,—

  2. the occupier or person having control of the land on which the dog is, for the time being, situated, or any agent or employee of that person; or
    1. any constable, dog control officer, or dog ranger acting with the consent of any person specified in paragraph (a),—
        1. may forthwith either seize or destroy that dog.

      1. Where, under subsection (1), a dog is seized by any person other than a dog control officer or dog ranger, that person shall ensure that the dog is returned to its owner or delivered into the custody of a dog control officer or dog ranger.