Legal Obligations for Dog Owners

Legal Obligations for Dog Owners and Guardians in NZ

 Understand the ethical and legal obligations for dog owners. New Zealand has rules around dog ownership to protect our dogs and the general public. The Animal Welfare Act 1999 (The Act) sets out how people should take care of and act towards animals, and is jointly enforced by the SPCA, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the Police. The Act is a clear statement to New Zealanders – and to the rest of the world – that animals are sentient, and that in New Zealand they have a right to proper and sufficient care.

Learn More About the Legal Obligations for Dog Owners from Reliable Sources

SPCA

Read more about the Animal Welfare Act on the SPCA website

Animal Welfare Act 1999

View the Animal Welfare Act 1999 on the NZ legislation website

Code of Welfare Dogs

View the Code of Welfare for Dogs on the MPI Website

Frequently Asked Questions: Legal Obligations for Dog Owners and Guardians in NZ