11 January 2021
Rachael Nico
ll [FYI request #14186 email]
Dear Rachael
Official information request for DCC Animal Services Annual Report to the Department of Internal
Affairs
I refer to your official information request dated 23 November 2020 for Council to provide reasons
and evidence for a number of questions including:
• the expert advice received for the design of the Council dog parks;
• reasons for maintenance priorities of public spaces (which you considered were being held
above the maintaining of dog parks);
• the mathematical formula used for the dog park to dog numbers ratio;
• the number of unregistered dogs;
• explanation of details provided in sections of the DCC Annual Report to the Department of
Internal Affairs regarding the number of dogs neutered, microchipped; classified as
dangerous, aggressive and for observed behaviours such as roaming.
As advised to you on 8 December 2020 that due to the level of research and collation to action your
request (estimated as three hours of staff time), that Council intends to impose a charge of $152.00
for this request. A copy of this advice and the Council’s LGOIMA charging policy is attached again for
your information.
Your response of 14 December 2020 advised that you do not agree to pay the proposed charge.
Therefore the Council declines your request pursuant to section 17(f) of the Local Government Official
Information Meetings Act 1987, due to substantial collation.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision.
Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or
freephone 0800 802 602.
Yours sincerely
Lauren McDonald
Governance Support Officer
CORPORATE SERVICES GROUP
Encl: 2