New dog impounding facilities under review

Plans to build new dog shelters in the Far North are under review as the District Council looks at more affordable options for impounding dogs.

The Council is planning to build new northern and southern area dog shelters at Kaitaia and Ngawha and was aiming to complete the Kaitaia shelter before Christmas.

Staff advised the Mayor and councillors last Thursday that building facilities to specifications agreed with animal welfare groups would cost significantly more than the Council had budgeted.

Elected members have asked staff to review engineers’ estimates and investigate more cost-effective options for dealing with up to 100 dogs the Council impounds each month.  

Mayor John Carter says responsible dog ownership is a major problem in the District, so it needs fit-for-purpose impounding facilities.  However, the Council also has a duty to spend ratepayer money wisely.

“We have asked staff to review costs of the current designs, look at what other councils have achieved with less and develop new options that represent better value for money.”

Mayor Carter says the Council remains committed to complying with animal welfare provisions in the Dog Control Act.

It is grateful for the input it received from the SPCA, Ministry for Primary Industries and Bay of Islands Watchdogs.  

“We have done a lot of work developing proposals that are a big improvement on our existing facilities.  We want to assure these groups that design elements that focus on animal welfare will remain part of the specification.”

Elected members have asked staff to provide a new timeline for the project in July.