Sleeping ruff – Council hunts for kennels for needy dogs in Western Bay

The aim of the campaign is to highlight the fact a lot of dogs are being homed in substandard conditions in the Western Bay of Plenty. Photo/ Supplied

Western Bay dogs in need are looking for new kennels.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is on the hunt for unused dog kennels as part of a campaign to promote responsible dog ownership.

The council is asking the public for old kennels that may be in the garden gathering weeds, out of sight under the house, in the shed, or out in the paddock.

The council will pick up the unused kennels, do them up and donate them to needy dogs.

The campaign kicks off during the Omokoroa Doggy Day Out event on March 24.

The aim is to highlight the fact a lot of dogs are being homed in substandard conditions.

Often with no or limited shelter, and sometimes with no water.

The campaign aims to give people the opportunity to learn about their obligations as owners and get pointers from Animal Services staff about how best to care for their dogs.

Follow up events are planned in Maketu on April, 27 and 28, 2018.

Photos of the restored kennels will be posted on council's Facebook page before being gifted to deserving pooches.

Those that are not donated will be raffled or sold for donation.

Locals will be able to vote for their favourite kennel restoration and be in to win a doggie gift pack.

Council's compliance manager Alison Curtis said some animal welfare cases were saddening but council was committed to working with owners to remedy substandard conditions and improve these dogs' wellbeing.

"Although the more extreme issues are dealt with by the SPCA, we are finding that Council's new Bylaw allows our officers to deal with substandard conditions effectively and faster – which is better for the animals.

"So we are increasingly becoming involved in welfare cases. We desperately want to change the living conditions of these dogs - hence our education campaign and call for kennels.''

To donate a kennel email animalservices@westernbay.govt.nz and leave your name and a contact phone number.