Have you ever made a complaint about a dog wandering in NZ?
Have you ever made a complaint about a dog wandering in NZ?
According to a recent study, nearly one in three New Zealanders have made a complaint about a dog wandering in their neighbourhood.
The study, conducted by the New Zealand Companion Animal Council (NZCAC), found that the most common complaints were about dogs being left alone for extended periods of time, followed by dogs being allowed to roam off-leash in public places.
While the NZCAC says that the majority of dog owners are responsible, they acknowledge that there are a small minority of owners who do not take their responsibilities seriously.
If you have made a complaint about a dog wandering in your neighbourhood, you are not alone. Here are some tips on what you can do to help resolve the issue.
1. Talk to the dog owner
If you know who the dog owner is, the best thing to do is to talk to them directly. Let them know politely but firmly that their dog is causing a problem and ask them to take steps to resolve the issue.
If you don’t know who the dog owner is, or if talking to them hasn’t resolved the issue, you can contact your local council. Councils have the power to issue fines and even require dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash in public places.
3. Make a formal complaint
If you’ve tried talking to the dog owner and contacting your local council, but the problem persists, you can make a formal complaint to the NZCAC. This is a last resort, but it may be necessary to get the issue resolved.
Making a complaint about a wandering dog can be frustrating, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. By taking action, you can help to make your neighbourhood a safer and more enjoyable place for everyone.
