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:
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.
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.
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.
Tracy Judd, Senior Animal Management Officer
Mike Doncliff, Animal Management and Compliance Officer
For all animal management related issues, you can call our 24hr number 03 788 9111 or 0800 807 239.
For local bylaw information pertaining to animal and stock control, please refer to our section on Bylaws.
Annual Report on Dog Control Policy and Practices 2015/16
Council has adopted its Annual Report on Dog Control Policy and Practices 2015/16, in accordance with section 10A of the Dog Control Act 1996.
The Report contains information about Council’s dog control activities for the period 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016. It can be viewed at Council offices in Westport and Reefton or by clicking the link below.
Animal Control Report – 2015-2016 (157Kb)
