The Animal Justice Party Aotearoa New Zealand (AJP)
welcomes Auckland’s reduction in reported dog attacks and
roaming complaints, and wants further insight into what is
improving outcomes for dogs.
RNZ reported on 15
October that Auckland’s reported dog attacks had fallen
for the first time in six years, dropping five percent from
2,864 to 2,722. Its article covered Auckland Council’s
annual animal management report, which also recorded fewer
roaming complaints, impoundments and dogs
euthanised.
“It’s great to see this data published
and encouraging to see fewer reported attacks,” says AJP
co-leader Rob McNeil. The report records 5,443 dogs
euthanised, down from 6,079. Impoundments also fell,
although AJP’s calculations show euthanasia declined as a
proportion of annual impoundments, from approximately 59.5
percent to 56.7 percent.
“That is progress, but the
number of dogs killed still equates to more than half of all
impoundments. We need to understand why so many dogs are
continuing to lose their lives.” says McNeil. The report
shows 934 dogs were killed because shelters were full, down
from 1,613. Meanwhile, the number euthanised after failing
temperament tests rose from 3,307 to 3,567. “Were fewer
dogs killed because pounds had more space or because fewer
dogs were impounded? Why did deaths following temperament
tests increase? How are dogs assessed, and what
opportunities do they have for support and assessment in a
foster home?”
“The big question is how much of the
reduction in dogs killed because shelters were full came
from increased holding capacity,” says McNeil. “With
additional kennels at Manukau and the Pukekohe Adoption
Centre freeing up pound space, are we seeing better outcomes
because there is more room?”
Advertisement – scroll to continue reading
AJP wants mandatory,
standardised monthly reporting from every council pound,
showing admissions, reunifications, adoptions and deaths,
including the reasons behind them. Some pounds in New
Zealand have strong operating procedures and very low kill
rates. Mandatory monthly public reporting is the first step
towards identifying which pounds are getting it right and
understanding what works. Those operating procedures can
then be shared with pounds such as Auckland, so they can
adopt better ways of working and save more dogs’
lives.
The party also wants accessible desexing,
practical support for responsible guardianship, fairer
reclaim fees and processes, funded foster networks, and
stronger partnerships with shelters and rescues. It supports
replacing pound temperament tests with foster-based
behaviour assessments. “Shelters, rescues and volunteers
are picking up the pieces every day. They need resources and
a proper place in the solution,” says McNeil.
McNeil
finishes “Dog law reform must deliver prevention, human
accountability and better outcomes for dogs. Party vote
Animal Justice Party for safer communities, meaningful pound
reform and a future where dogs get the chance to
live.”
