31 August 2023
Kalan Baker
By email: [FYI request #23910 email]
Tēnā koe Kalan
INFORMATION REQUEST – Cost of legal proceedings for the Chopper case
We write in response to your email dated 21 August 2023 in which you requested the following
information:
I  would  like  to  know  how  much  of  our  rates  payers  money  has  been  spent
fighting the case against chopper the dog that supposedly bit a vet?
We have considered your request in accordance with the Local Government Official
Information and Meetings Act 1987 (“LGOIMA”) and respond as follows:
Council has spent $70,663 to date in legal fees for the proceedings involving Ms
Fraser relating to Chopper.
It is not disputed that Chopper bit a veterinary surgeon on the arm causing serious
injury, including a fractured ulnar. Ms Fraser accepted that her dog attacked the vet
and caused this injury.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision.
Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz
or freephone 0800 802 602.
We may publish this response on our website as your request may be of interest to others.
All personal information will be removed and only the question and answers will be seen.
If you wish to discuss this decision with us, please feel free to contact the writer.
Ngā mihi
Coral Hair
Manager
Democracy Services and Governance Services
Tauranga City Council   Private Bag 12022, Tauranga 3143, New Zealand    +64 7 577 7000      [Tauranga City Council request email]       www.tauranga.govt.nz

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