The most popular dog name in the Ashburton District is Pip, according to our dog registration data.

Bella is the second most popular name, followed by Ted, Max, Molly and Ruby.

The district has about 7000 registered dogs and the most popular breed is Labrador, followed by Huntaway and Border Collie.

Owners of all dogs can expect to receive their annual registration notice in the mail over the next two weeks, with instructions about how to re-register their pet and pay the annual cost.

Compliance and Development Group Manager Ian Hyde, who will be among those to receive a notice, said dog owners had until the end of July to register their dog.

“It’s easy to do online and now that we have the long-wearing metal tags you don’t even need a new one. However if you have a particularly active dog and the number on the tag is hard to read, then bring the old one in and exchange it for a new one.”

If your dog’s registration details have changed, such as a new address or ownership, or they are now deceased, you will need to contact Council by email or phone, and staff will update your changes.

The law requires all dogs over three months of age to be registered, and dogs that have not been registered with Council before are classified as a new dog.

Mr Hyde said there was plenty of helpful information on Council’s website about dogs and their owners’ responsibilities.

“We’ve also translated our dog ownership pamphlet into Samoan and Tongan and copies of these, as well as the English version, are available at Customer Services at the Council building in Baring Square East.”