Domestic Animals Act 2000

The registrar may return a dog seized under this part to its keeper or carer under this section if satisfied that it would be in the public interest to return the dog.

In making a decision under subsection (1), the registrar must consider—

the safety of the public; and

the cost of keeping the dog impounded; and

whether financial or other hardship would be caused to the keeper or carer if the dog were to remain impounded.

Subsection (2) does not limit the matters the registrar may consider.

The registrar may return the dog to its keeper or carer and—

may issue a control order for the dog to the keeper or carer; and

if the registrar issues a control order to a carer of the dog—must give a copy of the order to the dog’s keeper.

If the registrar returns the dog to its keeper or carer under this part, the registrar may waive all or part of any fee payable by the dog’s keeper or carer under this part if satisfied that not to waive the fee would cause the keeper financial hardship.