There is no statutory right for a member of the public, including Animal Management Officers from the Council, to enter a vehicle to free a dog in distress. The complainant must call the SPCA (03 349 7057) or the Police (111)
A person who leaves a dog in a stationary vehicle must ensure that the dog does not display signs of shade-seeking behaviour plus one or more of the following signs consistent with heat stress:
- excessive panting.
- excessive drooling.
- hyperventilation.
If you see a dog left alone in a hot car, take down the car’s colour, model, make, and license plate number. Have the owner paged in the nearest buildings. Have someone keep an eye on the dog. Don’t leave the scene until the situation has been resolved. Call 111 or the SPCA on 03 349 7057.
In general, the law recognises that people have a right to keep pets and domestic animals. However, in some situations there may be problems because of the number or type of animals or the noise or smell they make.
Whilst it is the responsibility of animal owners to make sure their animals don't create a nuisance to their neighbours, the Council specifically discourage people from keeping roosters in residential areas.
Hens do not need roosters to lay eggs. Roosters can be aggressive towards people and can cause a noise nuisance for neighbours. Crowing roosters are the cause of frequent noise complaints, particularly during early morning hours. Only purchase poultry that is old enough to have the gender determined and avoid roosters.
If animals affect a neighbour in a way that’s significant and unreasonable, this may amount to a legal “nuisance” (under the law of “private nuisance”), and the neighbour may be able to take legal action in the courts or the Disputes Tribunal. For further advice you could contact the Citizens Advice Bureau on 0800 367 222 or www.cab.org.nz or Canterbury Law on 0508 226 529 or www.canlaw.org.nz
If domestic animals are being noisy, smelly, or doing something else that creates a health risk, under the Health Act 1956 the Council is able to investigate and take action if required.
To report a noise issue please contact the Council on 0800 965 468 (0800WMKGOV), email office@wmk.govt.nz or Snap, Send, Solve.
Note: To ensure the correct location of the issue is recorded, please send from where an issue has occurred. If you can't, send us the Snap Send Solve with as much location detail in the content as you can. Issues reported using Snap Send Solve can only be attended to during normal office hours.
If you believe vermin are originating from a neighbouring property as a result of accumulated rubbish, an overgrown section or poor food storage at a food premises, then contact us. We will investigate, may give advice, and if appropriate talk to the property owner concerned.
While it's the property owner's responsibility to remove rats and mice, or bring in a pest control company, the Council can offer tips on rodent proofing your property to prevent them from moving in - check out our rats and mice fact sheet.
If you have reason to believe there is a rodent problem on Council property, including in the sewer please ring and let us know.
Please contact the Council on 0800 965 468 (0800WMKGOV), email office@wmk.govt.nz or use Snap Send Solve.
Note: To ensure the correct location of the issue is recorded, please send from where an issue has occurred. If you can't, send us the Snap Send Solve with as much location detail in the content as you can. Issues reported using Snap Send Solve can only be attended to during normal office hours.
While it's the property owner's responsibility to remove rats and mice, or bring in a pest control company, the Council can offer tips on rodent proofing your property to prevent them from moving in - check out our rats and mice fact sheet.
The Council has no responsibility for stray cats. It you find a stray cat please contact the SPCA. Phone (03) 349 7057 or visit the SPCA website. The closest office is located in Christchurch.
If you have a problem with bees or wasps (swarms and nests) on private land, you will need to arrange for their removal. Bees are collected by the North Canterbury Bee Club for new bee hives. Members of the club carry swarm collection kits in their vehicles. If you have bees and you would like the club to collect them, contact the North Canterbury Bee Club - www.ncbeeclub.org.nz
Please contact us if they are nesting on public property and we will arrange for them to be moved. We can only do this once a nest has been formed, so we need to wait until they have stopped swarming. In built-up areas we can arrange warning signs.
For more information check our bees and wasps fact sheet.
To report an issue please contact the Council on 0800 965 468 (0800WMKGOV), email office@wmk.govt.nz or use the Snap Send Solve app.
Note: To ensure the correct location of the issue is recorded, please send from where an issue has occurred. If you can't, send us the Snap Send Solve with as much location detail in the content as you can. Issues reported using Snap Send Solve can only be attended to during normal office hours.