Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Dog Control Act 1996

Obligations of owner

61: Orders relating to dog seen worrying stock

You could also call this:

"What happens if your dog worries farm animals and you don't control it"

If you own a dog that is seen worrying stock or poultry, the owner of that stock or poultry can make a complaint to the District Court. The court can then order you to keep your dog under proper restraint or make an order for the dog to be destroyed if they believe the complaint is valid. You will have to follow the court's order.

If you do not keep your dog under proper restraint as ordered by the court, you can be fined up to $150 for every day you do not comply. The court can also order your dog to be destroyed. You must take the court's order seriously and take action to keep your dog under control.

You can face penalties if you fail to follow the court's order, so it is essential to take the necessary steps to keep your dog from worrying stock or poultry.

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This page was last updated on

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM375419.

Topics:
Crime and justice > Police and safetyCrime and justice > Courts and legal helpHousing and property > Land use
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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"

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"Rules for owners of dangerous dogs: keeping them safe and under control in public"

61Orders relating to dog seen worrying stock

  1. Where complaint is made to the District Court by the owner of any stock or poultry, or the occupier of any land on which there is stock or poultry, that any dog has been seen at large among that stock or poultry, the court, if it is satisfied as to the grounds of the complaint, may order the owner to keep the dog under proper restraint or make an order for the destruction of the dog.

  2. Every person who fails to comply with an order made under subsection (1) requiring that person to keep a dog under proper restraint commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $150 for every day during which the default has continued; and, in addition, the court may make an order for the destruction of the dog.

Compare
  • 1982 No 42 s 60
Notes
  • Section 61(1): amended, on , by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
  • Section 61(2): amended, on , by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).