The RNZSPCA policy stated that non-emergency euthanasia should be performed by a veterinarian, but in some circumstances it may be appropriate for a suitably trained, licensed staff member to use a firearm of an appropriate calibre.
Far North District Council communications manager Richard Edmondson confirmed that dogs that were not claimed or re-homed were shot by animal control officers, who had firearms licences, and were trained in that method of euthanasia. The council worked closely with the SPCA, which occasionally handed dogs over for disposal and was aware of the practice.
Last financial year the council had impounded 1146 dogs. Homes were found for 274, and 189 were claimed by their owners. The remaining 683 were put down.
"Clearly, this is not a job our staff enjoy having to do, and we go to great lengths to find homes for dogs that are suitable for re-homing," Mr Edmondson said.
"Our main dog pound manager is a dog lover with extensive connections in the animal welfare community. She has had a lot of success finding homes for unwanted dogs by advertising them on Trade Me. Many dogs go to new homes outside the district, and some, including two fox terriers that went to the Cook Islands earlier this year, have been re-homed abroad."
Shooting was the most cost-effective method of euthanasia. The fees quoted by vets in the past were considerably higher than $10, while many dogs were too aggressive to be euthanased at a veterinary surgery, so call-out fees would be incurred if lethal injections were to be used.
Council management had discussed the petition, and staff would report on the costs of the current and suggested methods of euthanasia to the Regulatory and Environment Committee, which would make a recommendation to the council.
"We are also trying to reduce the number of dogs we need to euthanase by increasing capacity at our main dog pound in Okaihau, making more use of social media and animal welfare websites and working more closely with animal welfare groups," Mr Edmondson said.
"We increased the number of dogs we found homes for last year from 211 in 2012-13, and are confident we will increase this number again in 2014-15.
"We recognise that this is an issue that is of concern to many people, and are reviewing our practices as a result. However, if more owners were responsible the council wouldn't be in the position of having to put down unwanted dogs," he added.
"Our animal control officers are available to talk to schools and community groups about responsible dog ownership. These talks have been well-received in the past."
