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Community life

Dogs and other animals

Cats: Care and control of your cat

Taking care of your cat

Companion Cats – Code of Welfare (2018)

Cat owners have the responsibilities in the Animal Welfare Act (see above, “Caring for your pets: An owner’s responsibilities”).

There’s also a specific code for pet cats, the Companion Cats Code of Welfare (2018), which has detailed standards and requirements.

You don’t have to register your cat.

Damage caused by pet cats

It’s generally accepted that cats are allowed to wander on to other people’s property and that the owner isn’t responsible for any damage they do. Cats can cause a lot of damage to wildlife. There are no laws about this, but the SPCA and Forest & Bird have guidelines for responsible cat ownership that include desexing cats that aren’t intended for breeding, putting bells on cats to help warn birds and discourage hunting, and keeping your cat inside at night.

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Neighbourhood life

Where to go for more support

General information about neighbourhood issues

Community Law

www.communitylaw.org.nz

Your local Community Law Centre can provide initial free legal advice and information.

Citizens Advice Bureau

www.cab.org.nz

Phone: 0800 367 222

The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) website provides information on a range of neighbourhood problems. Your local CAB can help you work your way through a problem with your neighbour.

Consumer New Zealand

www.consumer.org.nz

The “Neighbours and property” section of this website has information covering a range of neighbourhood problems.

Kainga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand)

www.kaingaora.govt.nz

The “Neighbours” section of this website has information for neighbours of Kainga Ora properties.

If you have a problem with a Kainga Ora neighbour, you can contact their Customer Services Centre on: 0800 801 601

Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

www.neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz

This website has fact sheets covering a range of neighbourhood problems.

New Zealand Law Society

www.lawsociety.org.nz

You can read the NZLS pamphlet “Disputes between your neighbours” online www.lawsociety.org.nz/for-the-public/common-legal-issues

You can access pamphlets online or order hard copies from the New Zealand Law Society.

Phone: (04) 472 7837

Email: pamphlets@lawsociety.org.nz

Dogs

Department of Internal Affairs

www.dia.govt.nz

The “Dog control” section of this website has information about the Dog Control Act and about microchipping dogs. www.dia.govt.nz/Resource-material-Dog-Control-Index

SPCA New Zealand

www.rnzspca.org.nz

For information on some of the legal responsibilities of pet owners go to: www.spca.nz/what-we-do/seek-justice/animal-welfare-act

Ministry for Primary Industries

For a full guide to the Animal Welfare Act 1999, go to:
www.mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-response/animal-welfare/guide-to-the-animal-welfare-care-and-procedures-regulations

Getting help if you’re homeless

Āwhina

www.awhina.net.nz

Āwhina is a directory of services in Auckland for the homeless, by the homeless.

Women’s refuges

www.womensrefuge.org.nz/contact-us/find-your-local-refuge

Find your local women’s refuge.

Housing First

www.housingfirst.co.nz/help

Housing First is a group of providers covering all of Auckland.

Services in main centres

Auckland City Mission:
www.aucklandcitymission.org.nz

The People’s Project, Hamilton:
www.thepeoplesproject.org.nz/get-help

Downtown Community Ministry (DCM), Wellington:
www.dcm.org.nz

Christchurch City Mission:
www.citymission.org.nz

Dunedin Night Shelter (for men):
www.dunedinnightshelter.co.nz

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