The Ministry for Primary Industries has been asked to step in following concerns of mis-treatment at the Napier pound.
The pound, operated by Napier City Council, has been subject to recent allegations following the disclosure of a letter from the lawyer of its four animal control officers to council chief executive Wayne Jack.
In light of this, late last month animal welfare advocate group Watchdog! lodged a complaint with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), asking it to investigate alleged breaches of the Animal Welfare Act at the pound.
Spokeswoman Jessica Maxwell said Mr Jack had denied there was a problem and dismissed the group's suggestion they commission an independent investigation.
Mr Jack said they were working extremely closely with their Animal Control team right now to further improve their practices, policies and their customer engagement.