Animal Control Officers have the right to seize and impound any wandering dog.

Owners are legally responsible for keeping their dog under control at all times. Failure to do so is an offence under Section 53 of the Dog Control Act with a fine of up to $3000 or an infringement fee of $200. Any dog found at large can be impounded at the owner's expense.

Below is a list of fees and charges that will come into effect on 1 July 2024:

Impounding fees are:

• Impounding: $61
• Second impounding: $98
• Third and subsequent impounding within a registration year: $153
• Daily sustenance: $15
• Microchipping: $74

Impounding fees must be paid before the dog is released. If the dog is not registered, then the registration fee will also be required before the dog can be released. Dogs must be microchipped before the dog can be released.

The best way to find your dog if it gets lost, is to have it registered. If your dog is collected by Animal Control and is identifiable, the owner will be notified by phone or written notice.

Dogs are released between 8am-5pm Monday-Friday, excluding public holidays.

Dogs that are unclaimed after seven days become the property of Matamata-Piako District Council and they may be adopted or put down.