Dog registration fees for the Whakatāne District start on 1 July for the 2023/24 year, with discounts for those who pay their fees before 1 August.

Fees for the 2023/24 year have increased slightly due to the increase in operational costs and inflation.

Registration fee for a de-sexed (neutered) dog or a working dog is $63, provided payment is made on or before Tuesday 1 August, or $94 if paid after this date.

The fee for registering an entire (unneutered) dog is $90, increasing to $135 if paid after 1 August.

Certified disability assist dogs and dogs used by Government agencies for specific purposes (such as law enforcement or biosecurity) are free of charge.

All dogs more than three months old must be registered, but for dogs under 12 months old, a proportion of the applicable fee will be charged.

Impounding fees will be $65 for a first impounding; $97 for a second impounding; and $130 for a third and subsequent impounding. Additional charges apply for dog food and after-hours impoundment between 5pm-8am daily.

Registration fee invoices have been posted to known dog owners and all dogs are legally required to be registered and failure to do so is an offence under the Dog Control Act.

Carl Redaelli Manager Community Regulation says registering your dog makes it much easier for councils to find and identify dogs.

“Under Section 36 of the Dog Control Act 1996, all dogs must be registered with the council in the district where they are kept by 1 July each year, or before the dog is three months old.”

"All dogs must be micro chipped - a requirement under the act – which allows for easy identification and means animal control staff return dogs to their rightful owners if their registration tags be lost," he says.

Council operates a 24/7 operation for secure dog collection, aggressive dog complaints and roaming stock on district roads.

More information about animal control, including dog registration payment can be found here.