Council steps in to look after Matata pets

Whakatane District Council rangers have stepped in to take responsibility for feeding and finding pets left behind on roofs and in backyards as their owners fled Matata on Wednesday night.

Council ranger Graeme Lewer said his staff have been heading into Matata twice a day to check on the animals' welfare and feed them.

"We have received a list of animals from the welfare centre and where possible the animals have either been moved into the pound (dogs) or the Menagerie Boarding kennels (cats).

"Ones we cannot move we are feeding.

"For example, I am feeding 18 doves at one house, in another there are six cats. We also have horses and some cattle to feed."

Staff were still searching for some animals.

"We are trying to give the families peace of mind, but some pets are missing.

"They have either run away or some would have drowned in the landslip."

- NZPA