Desexing dogfight sees a result

Funding allocated to desex dogs before they leave the district’s pound is a win for Meg Wilson, who is fighting to control the district’s dog population.

Putaruru’s Wilson, the founder of the pet animal welfare organisation PAWs, made a submission along with seven others to the South Waikato 2015/ 25 Long Term Plan and their wish was granted.

Under the Adopt- a- dog programme, an annual $3500 of ratepayers’ money will be put towards desexing.

While there is still a long way to go, Wilson was stoked to hear the news.

‘‘It was just . . . wonderful . . . I think it’s a start, that’s just another avenue we can block.’’

And she hoped to see the results in a year’s time.

‘‘ It wouldn’t happen instantly, I would like to see, in a year or so, a huge drop in numbers.’’

Wilson said the PAWs committee had discussed the idea for about three years and the Long Term Plan was an opportunity to make it happen.

According to Wilson, an over- population of dogs causes issues like dogs biting people, fighting, and ‘‘ deposits’’ left on the streets.

It would just get worse if some dogs continued to produce, she said.

‘‘Some of the bigger dogs can have 14 or 15 in a litter.’’

PAWs has contributed $350,000 to the South Waikato and Thames community since it was established 51⁄ years ago.

2 The main focus of the organisation is to fund desexing campaigns.

Group manager of regulatory services Sharon Robinson said submitters put forward a convincing case.

‘‘ We agree with the submitters on the Long Term Plan that desexing dogs before they are rehomed will contribute to the reduction in the number of unwanted puppies in the community.’’

Dogs will be de-sexed at the veterinarian clinic before going to their new home. ‘‘The pound is not an appropriate facility for a dog convalescing after surgery to be housed, so this operation will only occur once a new home has been found.’’