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Animal Management

Animal control in New Zealand is governed by legislation – principally the Dog Control Act 1996 along with Buller district’s local bylaws.

Buller District Council undertakes animal control activities to assist in promoting public welfare and safety. This includes overseeing the control of stock and the registration and control of dogs within Buller. The legislation requires territorial authorities to fulfill certain statutory functions regarding dog and stock control.

The following animal control problems are subject to the issuing of infringement notices or prosecution:

Roaming dogs and stock
Dogs rushing or attacks on persons, pets, stock or wildlife
Non compliance with any part of the Dog Control Act 1996

If you have any queries, complaints or problems regarding dog registration, lost or found dogs, barking dogs, dangerous dogs, impounded dogs, wandering stock, dead stock on beaches, please call the Westport Customer Services team or the Reefton office. Complaints will be followed up by Animal Control staff.

For further information on dog ownership and registration, dog exercise and control areas and responsible pet ownership, microchipping, or a copy of our Dog Owners Handbook, please visit Council offices in Westport or Reefton, or check out our links below.

Stock control

The Livestock Movements Bylaw 2010 allows for livestock movements across and along Council controlled roads and State Highways in the Buller District provided certain conditions are met.

Please see below for the full Livestock Movements Bylaw 2010 and permit application form, you can also obtain a copy from Council offices in Westport or Reefton.

Livestock movements that do not meet the bylaw conditions will require written permission before they can proceed. Every person who fails to comply with this bylaw (including breaches of any condition(s) of a permit) is liable to a fine not exceeding $20,000.

Dog ownership

If you or your dog’s details change then you need to let us know so we can update the dog register. If any of the below details apply to you, please advise Council of this change within 14 days.