'Blatant disregard for the law': Auckland dog daycare fined $103k for repeated RMA breaches
After numerous neighbour complaints and legal disputes, an upscale Auckland dog daycare, Pets & Pats, has been fined $103,125 for multiple violations of council orders and the Resource Management Act (RMA).
Background and Complaints
Neighbours lodged 17 complaints before Auckland Council proceeded with court action. The issue stemmed from excessive noise and the daycare operating beyond its approved capacity and hours under a resource consent.
The Legal Outcome
The council confirmed new convictions and fines against owner Angela Maree Beer and her business, which trades as Pets & Pats. The court ruled the breaches constituted a clear disregard for compliance requirements.
“I don’t think it was fair that I’ve been singled out and I have a criminal conviction and $100,000 worth of fines when there are people doing a lot worse than I have,” she said.
Beer stated that she had felt unfairly targeted throughout the case but said she was relieved the lengthy process had come to an end.
The Daycare Operation
Pets & Pats catered to Auckland’s affluent suburbs, marketing itself as a rural retreat for city dogs. The facility was set up in a manor-style home with large fields and transported clients’ pets in premium vans.
Originally located in Dairy Flat, the operation later relocated to Kumeū following the controversies with local residents.
Author’s Summary
Angela Beer’s dog daycare, once marketed as a luxury escape for city pets, faced heavy penalties after persistent breaches of environmental and legal orders.