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Worried Couple Reviewing Council Notice
When your dog is
in trouble, experience matters.
What's happened with your dog?

Find the situation below that best matches what you're dealing with.  We'll help you
avoid common mistakes and identify your best next step.

What you do next matters – to you and your dog
Leashed Dogs in a Tense Park Encounter (1).png

My dog has bitten or rushed at someone

Woman and dog looking at Council notice

Council has contacted me with a complaint about my dog

Dog with a muzzle

My dog has been classified menacing or dangerous

Man and dog looking at Court document

I've been served Court documents about my dog

Compassionate Veterinary Care (1).png

I think my vet made a mistake
 

Torn photo of a couple and their dog

There's a dispute about who owns my dog

HOW WE HELP
Why early advice matters
WHAT YOU SAY MATTERS

What you say early on can affect what happens later. Before responding to the Council, SPCA or another party, it pays to understand your position.

EVIDENCE MATTERS

Photos, witnesses, veterinary records and other evidence can make a significant difference.  Gathering this evidence before it disappears is crucial.

TIMING MATTERS

Acting early preserves your options and avoids decisions being made before you receive advice

Prefer to send us a message?  CONTACT US

ABOUT US
Dr Ian A. Robertson

Why use Guardianz?

Animal law isn't "just one" of the things we do.  
We are New Zealand's only law firm
dedicated to animal law.

Guardianz is a law practice that specialises and is dedicated to animal law — a complex intersection of legislation, regulations, codes, policies, animals and people.

I’m Dr Ian Robertson, the Principal of Guardianz. I'm often referred to as 'that guy who's a vet and a lawyer'.

 

I’ve combined my career experience, starting as a clinical veterinarian, then adding a law degree, and subsequently working as a prosecutor for the Ministry of Primary Industries. Today, I leverage this unique blend of expertise as a defence barrister, specialising exclusively in the field of animal law.

Animal law is not just one of the things I do; it’s the entire focus of my work as a lawyer.

 

I teach, publish, present, advise, and assist people, organisations, and other lawyers with any legal issue that directly or indirectly involves an animal. 

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So, if you're thinking that the lifelong career looking after people and animals means I genuinely care - a LOT - about animal law  being done well and the outcome you get, then you'd be right!

MORE ABOUT GUARDIANZ 

A lawyer sees the law.  A vet sees the animal. 
A former prosecutor sees how their case is built.

At Guardianz, you get all three perspectives.

Prefer to send us a message?  CONTACT US

Woman hugging border collie

TESTIMONIAL

Real people. Real dogs. Real outcomes.

We help dog owners across New Zealand with practical, clear and strategic advice
when it matters most.  Here's what one of our clients says about working with us.

It was such a relief to talk to people who care and are specialised in both the legal side of these matters as well as the animal welfare aspects.

Their meticulous strategy, diligent planning, and commitment to really fight for us resulted in a far better outcome than any of us had expected.

T. Tapara

WHOSE DOG WAS RETURNED HOME IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

Woman and dog looking at computer

How do you want to look back on things in 12 months?

What's the best that could happen?

What's the worst?

 

Smart steps taken at the right time are routinely key factors that affect your outcomes in these matters, so your next step is simply to fill in this contact form. 

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CONTACT US

You can help us to help you by using the 'Message' section in this form to tell us:

  1. Where you are in the country

  2. Key dates and details about the problem that you're facing; and 

  3. What you would like to see as the outcome.


"Bottom line," it doesn’t matter where you are in New Zealand; one way or another, we can help you put your best case forward.

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