Report calls for "shake-up" of Hastings dog policies

An independent review of Hastings District Council's dog control service has recommended significant changes to improve the city's pound.

It has also suggested a shake-up of the council's "hard line" dog policies and changes to the staffing structure within the unit responsible for enforcing them.

The review, released by the council this afternoon, was sparked by complaints from dog owners earlier this year.

It was undertaken by independent consultant and former Tauranga council environmental compliance manager John Payne.

"The Dog Pound needs significant modification which should be undertaken immediately," Mr Payne said in his 48-page report.

"Planning for a new dog pound should also be undertaken."

The report said there appeared to be "a blame culture and mistrust" within the council's animal control team and it recommended a review of the team's structure and staff numbers.

"Statistically, performance is at a high level, however the community relationship is at a low
level. The hard line approach has served its purpose and should now be modified," the report said.

"Greater effort should be made to ensure that staff are delivering a high quality service."