Are the penalties for dog attacks going to increase?
Yes, the Government has proposed substantial increases in the maximum penalties under the Dog Control Act. It is proposed that: – the penalty for owning a dog involved in a serious attack be increased from a maximum of 3 months imprisonment and/or a fine not exceeding $5,000, to a maximum of 3 years imprisonment and/or a fine not exceeding $20,000; – the penalty for owning a dog involved in an attack, but not a serious attack, be increased from a fine of up to $1,500 to one of up to $3,000. It is also proposed to increase most other maximum fines in the Act to $3,000; – infringement fines, ie spot fines, be increased by 150% up to a maximum of $1,000. Infringement fines can be given for offences such as breaches of council dog-control bylaws, failing to keep a dog under control, and willfully obstructing a dog control officer. It is not proposed to provide for minimum penalties as these no longer exist in New Zealand law. The increased penalties are designed to act as a deterrent to do
