In Auckland, the cries of distressed puppies are excluded from protection because of their age.

Imagine a helpless puppy, barely a few weeks old, crying persistently for help through the night, suffering from physical abuse and neglect, and unable to receive protection under the Dog Control Act simply because it's under 3 months old.

Reports from the community have fallen on deaf ears as Auckland Council officials refuse to investigate or penalise negligent owners if the puppies in question are under 3 months old. Senior staff members inaccurately claim that this refusal is supported by Section 55 of the Dog Control Act. However, upon scrutiny, there is no such age exemption in the Act, and it clearly stipulates the protection of all dogs, without bias towards age.

The absence of enforcement and protection for these vulnerable animals not only leaves them at the mercy of their abusers.

We cannot allow this oversight to continue. Every puppy in Auckland deserves to have their cries heard and not be discriminated against because of their age. It is time for Auckland Council to rectify this serious oversight by amending their enforcement practices immediately.

We demand that Auckland Council act swiftly to remove its age exemption. Please join us in this plea for justice by signing this petition. Together, we can create a safer environment for Auckland's puppies. Your support is vital—sign now and make a difference.