Dumping fears in SPCA closing

With the SPCA centre closing, and no longer able to take in animals, the Times-Age asked Wairarapa councils what effect that could have on council operations.

Masterton District Council spokesman Sam Rossiter-Stead said the closure of the local SPCA centre had the potential to increase the council's workload.

He said areas of concern were the possibility of an increase in the dumping of dogs and puppies and the fact the council had no holding facilities for cats or kittens. "We will monitor how the situation develops and work closely with vets and pet shops to look for possible solutions if this becomes a major issue."

The South Wairarapa District Council's planning and environment group manager, Murray Buchanan, said with the closure of the SPCA holding facility he expected higher numbers of abandoned dogs being turned over to the council.

He said the council was not a welfare agency. It would be able to hold animals for only a limited length of time before putting them down. "Over the seven days, we would obviously look after the dogs appropriately," he said. The dogs would receive food, shelter, cleaning and exercise, which would add costs. It was fortunate there was still an SPCA inspector to deal with animal cruelty issues.

Carterton District Council animal and dog control officer Karen Schischka said the closure of the SPCA centre would not have a big impact on her role.

"Our relationship is with the inspectorate, which is still operating," she said.

"We will continue to pick up stray dogs, found dogs and dumped dogs and provide shelter, water and food to dogs without access to the necessities as per the Dog Control Act 1996."