Dog registration countdown begins

With more than half of Invercargill's dogs already registered for the coming year, now Council is encouraging the remaining owners to get a wag on before penalties apply.

Over half of the district's estimated 9,800 dogs are now registered.

Invercargill City Council Group Manager Consenting and Environment Jonathan Shaw said it was encouraging to see so many owners getting organised early.

"It's great to see thousands of dog owners have already taken the lead and registered their dogs. Registering your dog is one of the simplest ways to be a responsible pet owner, and we're asking everyone who hasn't done it yet to tick it off their to-do list before penalties apply. Any dogs who missed the 1 July deadline are now considered unregistered."

Dog registration is a legal requirement for all dogs over three months old and helps fund essential animal management services across Invercargill.

"Registration supports everything from responding to roaming dogs and dog attacks to maintaining the Animal Care Facility, providing education programmes and helping reunite lost dogs with their owners."

Registering online is quick and easy, allowing people to complete the process whenever it suits them.

"We know life gets busy, but registration only takes a few minutes online. Getting it done now means one less thing to think about."

Dog owners can register online or find more information at icc.govt.nz/dogs