Dog registration winners get the treats

If you do the mahi, you can get the treats - as 10 responsible dog owners across the district can verify, after winning prize packs for registering their dogs between 1 July and 31 August this year.

The ‘mahi’ for dog owners in this case was registering their pet when the best rates were available (in July and August), which put them into a draw to win one of 10 prize packs. The prize pack included a ‘treat’ for the owner – a refund on next year’s dog registration fees – and two enormous bags of dog biscuits to treat their pet.

Dog owners are legally required to register their dogs annually. Paying between 1 July and 31 August is the best option because it’s penalty-free. Dogs must be registered from three months of age, or as soon as they come into the owner’s possession.

The prize incentive, running for its second year, is one way to encourage more dogs to be registered on time. The whole community benefits from an increase in dog registrations because it supports the work of Animal Management Officers. That includes picking up lost and roaming dogs, taking action on uncontrolled dogs, and promoting responsible dog ownership. Keeping dogs under control at all times to prevent situations where they could frighten or injure people or other dogs and animals is a key part of responsible dog ownership.

A dog that is registered and microchipped is easier to reunite with its owner if it becomes lost or strays.

The dogs treated to free biscuits this year, thanks to their owners, are:

• Shiney in Kaitāia
• Riley in Ahipara
• Rocky in Kaitāia
• Puppy in Kaikohe
• Josie in Kawakawa
• Blossom in Kāeo
• Ghost in Kaikohe
• Odin in Paihia
• Scruffy in Kāeo
• Vinny in Kerikeri.

Main photo – Kelly with Vinny, her 5-year-old Japanese Spitz