Consultant gets dog-control role

TOP DOG: Consultant John Payne (right) pictured with Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule, has been appointed to manage change at the council's animal control service. PHOTO/FILE

The consultant who wrote a hard-hitting report outlining problems with Hastings District Council's dog control service has been appointed to run the council's pound - filling a "change manager" role his review recommended be created.

Councillors last week voted to accept a long list of recommendations outlined in the report prepared by former Tauranga council environmental compliance manager John Payne, including spending $165,000 on an urgent upgrade to the pound.

On Wednesday the council announced Mr Payne would take up the role of pound manager.

Acting Chief Executive John O'Shaughnessy said Mr Payne's report identified the need to appoint a change manager who would undertake a review of the staff structure and functions of the animal control unit.

"Council believes that Mr Payne gained a strong insight into the operation of the pound during the preparation of the report and is now in an ideal position to implement the changes that have been recommended in the review," Mr O'Shaughnessy said.

Mr Payne will start in the role in mid-January.

He became a dog control officer in 1986 and worked in the field until 2008 when he took a wider management role in local government.

He has a tertiary qualification in the principles of canine behaviour and has produced several dog behaviour educational brochures, which have been extensively used throughout New Zealand and Australia.

He was contracted to one of New Zealand's largest electricity companies to address meter readers on dog bite prevention techniques.

Mr Payne has been involved in formulating submissions on dog control legislation, assisting with advice on dog matters to the Department of Internal Affairs and formulating "good practice" guidelines on dog control with the Local Government Association and the Society of Local Government Managers.

The review of Hastings District Council's animal control policies was sparked by complaints from pet owners this year over the actions of dog control officers and the treatment of impounded dogs.

On top of the $165,000 set aside for immediate improvements at the pound, the council has budgeted a further $500,000 over the next few years to replace the entire facility, which was built about 1970 and is no longer considered fit-for-purpose.

In a letter sent to the district's almost 8000 dog owners last week, Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule said the "strong enforcement policy" the council had maintained since 2008 had resulted in a substantial drop in the number of serious dog attacks.

"The intention was good - to protect our community and promote responsible pet ownership, but unfortunately this strong enforcement policy has had some unintended consequences, with good dog owners getting caught up in these efforts," Mr Yule said.

"If you are one of these dog owners, on behalf of the council, I apologise for this and acknowledge that most dog owners are responsible and treat their animals in a loving and compassionate way.

"Whilst I am pleased with the lowering of serious dog attacks in the district, I am disappointed that many good owners have found council's processes unhelpful."

Animal rights advocate Jessica Maxwell described Mr Payne's appointment as a "very positive move".