A partnership agreement which has seen local iwi assume responsibility for animal control in Murupara has been hailed a huge success.
Since Whakatane District Council reached an agreement with Ngati Manawa in January, local animal control officers Ned Howden and Rua Te Pairi have been patrolling the area, with positive results.
"This has proven to be a really positive partnership, and the impact of having these two locals involved is emphasised by the acceptance of the community when people are approached in regard to dogs, abandoned vehicles or even overgrown sections,"Whakatane District Council community regulation manager Graeme Lewer said.
"The boys also came through a recent SPCA audit of the pound with flying colours."
Mr Lewer said since the new arrangement had been in effect there had been a roughly 25 per cent increase in the number of dogs impounded.
"That means there are less dogs roaming the streets, and the message is getting out to the public that they need to be responsible pet owners or they will be fined.
"As this message sinks in, I firmly believe that we will see the number of impounds begin to drop," Mr Lewer said.
Mr Howden said the two control officers had received very positive feedback from the community and had a good working relationship with locals.
"People are happy to give us a wave and help us out and let us know if there are any dogs on the loose, and we are happy to see the numbers of dogs roaming the streets going down.
"As much as possible we are just trying to get the message out there that owners have to be responsible if we are going to have a safer community."