Special event for canine friends
Kaitaia dog owners can have their four-legged friends chipped and snipped for free at Kaitaia A&P Showgrounds on July 28.
The event follows the Far North District Council’s successful pilot project Nga Kuri Auau o Kaikohe last month, which saw nearly 100 dogs microchipped and 80 signed up for free neutering.
Nga Kuri Auau o Kaitaia will offer all Kaitaia dog owners the opportunity to have their pet microchipped on the spot for free.
They can also sign-up for their pet to be neutered at a later date by a local vet also free of charge.
The only rule is that all dogs attending the event must be on a leash.
The dog days are part of a council campaign to encourage responsible dog ownership throughout the district.
Council compliance manager Darren Edwards says the first dog day had exceeded council expectations and clearly showed that dog owners want to do the right thing by having their pet microchipped, registered and neutered.
‘‘We want all dog owners to be responsible, but we know that costs – even one-off costs like micro-chipping and neutering – can pose a barrier,’’ he says.
‘‘By helping with those costs, this programme makes everyone in the district safer.
‘‘That’s because neutered dogs are less likely to wander, and less likely to attack people or other animals.’’
Edwards says the programme will help break down the reluctance that some dog owners might have about the procedures.
‘‘They will see that microchipping is quick, easy and virtually painless for their pet. We will also dispel misconceptions they may have about neutering.’’
Nga Kuri Auau o Kaitaia will be held from 10am and will feature demonstrations from a New Zealand Police handler and dog, as well as a Department of Conservation handler and their dog.
A professional photographer will take photos of kuri and their owners, and participants can win spot prizes, such as dog biscuits, a leash, dog bed and more.
The council thanked the A&P Showgrounds Committee, RD1 Kaitaia, Hunting & Fishing and Treasure Box, and Te Hiku and Tautoko radio stations for supporting the event.
❚ Got a good community news story? Email jenny.ling@fairfaxmedia.co.nz or bayley.moor@fairfaxmedia.co.nz