A paws-itively amazing career in animal services
Betty Hall was once told by a teacher she would never get a job after finishing school. After 35 years as an animal services officer, she has proved them wrong. “I wish I could show that teacher now,” said Hall.
There have been ups and downs during her time as an animal services officer at Western Bay of Plenty District Council, but her passion for animals and education has never wavered.
“There’s nothing I love better than to help bring information and change.”
Local Democracy Reporting spoke to Hall about her career and her plans for the future after she retired in April.
Growing up in Te Puke, with a stock agent father, her job was to help with the animals. This included horses, cats and huntaway dogs but Hall gravitated towards the canines.
Hall, a life member of Mount Maunganui
Dog Training Club, started with them in the 1980s when she learned dog agility and how to train dogs.
This gave her the confidence to apply for a job as an animal control officer at the Te Puke Borough Council.
After applying for the job, Hall saw the role advertised again. She questioned why and was told they were looking for a man. “They couldn’t find someone with the knowledge, my skills, my training, and so I started off part-time.”
The borough councils in Western Bay of Plenty amalgamated in 1989, forming the
Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
“That was the start of my career, and I never thought I’d be here 35 years later. It’s quite humbling, really.”
The council had been “amazingly supportive” of Hall’s passion to educate people about dog training and care.
“A lot of councils stay with enforcement. It’s only with education that you’re ever going to make a difference.”
In 2016 Hall founded the first Doggy Day Out, a fun day for dogs and owners involving training, education, dog agility and entertainment.
Hall estimated there were a few thousand dogs at the March Doggy Day Out in Ōmokoroa, “It is now such a huge event.”
The annual day is the finale in the summer Wander Dogs series, another council-run initiative of dog walks in different parts of the region that starts off with some training tips.
The animal lover is retiring to Northland with her three dogs, Alfie, Quinn and Neville.
All three dogs were rescued from the pound, and Alfie is the council’s ‘spokesdog’. The lively Jack Russell might continue his official duties from his new home, but his contract is still being negotiated.
“I’ve got a lovely quiet place up there, which my dogs are going to love.
“I just want some peace and quiet and rest. I’ve got lots of hobbies, one of them is my dogs and I’m grateful to have three.”
Council animal services team leader Peter Hrstich said Hall is irreplaceable not only because of her skills but also because she’s very well-known in the community.
“It’s not going to be the same without the Betty aspect.”