Solicitor-General’s reference from CRI-2022-404-212 ([2022] NZHC 31) - [2024] 3 NZLR 656

Dog control — Removal of “on convicting the owner” — No deliberate policy choice — Consequence of redrafting only — Opening words make clear destruction order only in proceedings under subs (2) — “offence” in both — Subsection (2) consequences for conviction for owner — Subsection (3) consequences for dog — Presupposes offence committed — Destruction is sentence — Only sentence if offence and conviction — Nothing in legislative history suggesting such significant change — “on conviction” specified for destruction for lesser offences — Perverse if not required s 57 — Dog Control Act 1996 s 57.