Funds held in the Whakatāne District Council’s dog control reserve account will be used to cover a forecast deficit in funding, allowing the District dog registration and control fees to be kept at their current level for the 2016/17 year.

At an extraordinary meeting last week to deliberate on possible changes to the 2016/17 Annual Plan, Council elected members heard that the dog control activity expenditure was likely to exceed revenue by an estimated $19,000 in the current financial year, while a shortfall of $20,000 was anticipated for 2016/17. Councillors approved a recommendation to keep all dog-related fees and charges at their current level, with any deficit to be met from reserve funds.

As a result, if paid before 31 July 2016, registration fees will be held at $50 for de-sexed dogs and $60 for entires. If paid after 31 July, the fees will be $75 and $90 respectively. Impounding fees will remain at $60 for a first impounding, $90 for a second impounding and $120 for a third and subsequent impounding. Transponder implant fees will be $15 if initiated by the owner, and $24.50 for impounded dogs.

Under the Dog Control Act 1996, the Council must set and advertise its dog control and registration fees in June, ahead of the start of the financial year which commences on 1 July 2016.