'Right man for the job' appointed

John Payne, pictured visiting the Hastings dog pound earlier this year. Photo / File

The right man for the Hastings District Council's animal management job has been appointed, says a local animal welfare group.

Watchdog! chairperson Jessica Maxwell is "more than pleased" by John Payne's appointment, saying HDC is fortunate to have him.

"The [the council] have done the right thing and he is the right man for the job to implement the changes and attempt to improve the animal control's previously appalling reputation and culture," she said.

Mr Payne was contracted by the council in 2014 to report on the state of the facility, and prepare an improvement plan. After 22 years as an "on the ground" dog control officer and studying the principles of canine behaviour at tertiary level, Mr Payne went on to publish dog behaviour material.

At a national level, he had advised the Department of Internal Affairs on dog control matters and formulated good practice guidelines, used to set industry standards, the council reports.

"Mr Payne's brief in Hastings was to pinpoint changes required in council's then Dog Control Services - physical, such as the pound building, processes and personnel," the council says.

Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule said Mr Payne had done a wonderful job in addressing some issues the area had with its animal control policy. "He is a fantastic individual and he is a great addition to our permanent staff," he said. "He sought to shift our strategy away from animal control to animal welfare. He has addressed some of the culture and the way we were dealing with dog owners and he has certainly addressed the pound and made some improvements to bring it up to date with modern standards."

Council regulatory services manager John O'Shaughnessy said the council welcomes Mr Payne to this permanent role.

"There were some exceptional applicants for the position, however John's background and experience, as well as the very visible improvements he has already made to our service, meant his application stood out."