Dogs abandoned to die at beach

Northland is gaining a negative reputation among animal welfare groups and shelters for its high rate of animal dumping, cruelty and neglect, according to Animal Rescue Action Network (ARAN). And that record was added to last month when two visitors from Auckland found a bitch and five puppies on the beach at Matai Bay.

"They were all thin and clearly neglected, terrified and starving," Alexandra Reiger said.

The dogs were impounded at Okaihau, and while one of the pups died a short time later the others, and their mother, had improved. Two of the pups had found a home in Helensville, thanks to facebook and Humane Revolution, while one of the women who found them had driven north from Auckland earlier this month to retrieve the remaining two pups, which were then placed in the care of a dog sanctuary in Auckland.

They were only part of a worrying picture, Ms Reiger added however. In the last week ARAN had organised the release of two more female dogs from the pound at Okaihau, one heavily pregnant and another with a litter of six week-old puppies. The latter was now in a foster home, with support from the SPCA in Whangarei, which was also caring for the other dog and her litter.

"That is 14 dogs, plus a potential six or more pups yet to be born, that ARAN has been involved in rescuing in Northland in less than two weeks," Ms Reiger said.

"And they represent just a small fraction of the dogs abandoned, dumped, suffering abuse and starvation, impounded and ultimately destroyed by the council. Many puppies simply die of starvation, worm infestation or parvovirus before they even get dumped or impounded.

"Shelters and welfare agencies outside Northland are increasingly being asked to help with emergency cases of dogs from your district. We think it's time all agencies and individuals - SPCA, council dog control, independent rescues and shelters - in Northland who have any interest in animal welfare met to discuss this crisis in their area. ARAN is based in the central North Island, yet we are being called on to help in Northland."

It was time Northland faced up to the issue, and began taking more responsibility for its animals.

"Of course Northland does not have a monopoly on animal neglect and careless over-breeding of dogs and cats. This is a national problem, but Northland does have a problem, and needs to face up and step up on a local level," she said.