History – Paws of the past

For history enthusiasts, an old photograph is more than just a frozen moment in time – it’s a vivid portal into the past, revealing the lives, stories and even the dogs that shaped our heritage. In the Albertland district, it seems nearly every settler had a dog, whether a tireless farmhand, a bushman’s loyal companion or a cherished family pet. These dogs held a place of pride, often captured in the photographs of the era. If you are a pet owner today, you’ve likely just paid your dog registration fee – a necessary but often grumbled-about task. Yet, this seemingly mundane duty has deep roots in New Zealand’s history, where animals, especially dogs, played a vital role in the nation’s development.

When early explorers and settlers arrived in New Zealand, they brought with them an array of animals, including dogs and cats to control vermin, provide companionship,and offer comfort during the long sea voyages. Terriers, small and nimble hunters, were particularly valued on these journeys for their ability to rid ships of rat and mice that threatened the food supply. Once ashore, these dogs quickly became quite indispensable to the settlers, who appreciated their utility and charm.

Early settlers, especially farmers, brought working dogs like the border collie, which arrived in the mid-1800s. These dogs were selectively bred into what is now known as the New Zealand heading dog.

The huntaway, another uniquely New Zealand breed, was developed from a mix of border collies, Gordon setters, and bearded collies. However, as the dog population grew, so did the challenges they posed. By 1880, dogs were running free, breeding unchecked, and causing problems for both settlers and livestock. To regain control, the Dog Registration Act of 1880 was introduced, requiring all owners to pay 10 shillings and receive a collar from local authorities. This law aimed to curb the dog population, protect livestock and identify owners if dogs were caught attacking animals or people.

For Māori, the dog tax was more than just an economic burden – it clashed with their cultural and spiritual views on the relationship between humans and animals. This lead to the Hokianga Dog Tax Rebellion, a significant protest against the regulations. An amendment to the Act in 1882 allowed local authorities to set varying registration fees, with lower fees for the working dogs essential to the rural economy. Unregistered dogs could be seized and sold, with proceeds going to the local authority.

By 1887, the dog tax in Rodney County had become a contentious issue. Settlers could have one cattle or sheep dog at a reduced fee of two shillings and sixpence, while additional dogs were taxed at 10 shillings each. House dogs and sporting dogs also incurred the higher fee. Enforcement was strict and in October 1890, Frank Meyer was brought before the Port Albert R.M. Court by Constable Inger, who was tasked with collecting dog registrations and enforcing the law across Rodney County.

The history of dog registration in New Zealand is more than just a tale of bureaucracy – it’s a reflection of how crucial dogs were to the survival and success of early settlers. So, the next time you pay that registration fee, remember that you are participating in a tradition that helped shape the nation, a tradition that sparked protests, but also underscored the deep bond between humans and their four-legged companions.