Dog day offers free chipping, neutering

Kaitaia dog owners can get free microchips for beloved pets at A&P Showgrounds during the council's second dog day.

Kaitaia dog owners can have their pets "chipped and snipped" without charge at the town's A&P Showgrounds during the council's second dog day.

Nga Kuri Auau o Kaitaia, on Friday will offer Kaitaia dog owners a chance to get their pet microchipped on the spot for free. They can also sign up for their pet to be neutered at a later date by a local vet, also free of charge.

The only rule is that all dogs attending the event must be on a leash.

Gabrielle Harris with her puppy, Nala, at a previous dog day in Kaikohe.

The dog days are part of a Far North District Council campaign to encourage responsible dog ownership. Last month's inaugural event, Nga Kuri Auau o Kaikohe, was sparked by a series of dog attacks in the Mid North town and saw just under 100 dogs microchipped and 80 signed up for free neutering.

Council compliance manager Darren Edwards said the first dog day had exceeded expectations and showed that dog owners wanted to do the right thing.

"We want all dog owners to be responsible, but we know that costs - even one-off costs like micro-chipping and neutering can pose a barrier. By helping with those costs, this programme makes everyone in the district safer. That's because neutered dogs are less likely to wander, and less likely to attack people or other animals," he said.

Nga Kuri Auau o Kaitaia will start at 10am and feature demonstrations by police and conservation dogs. A professional photographer will take photos of kuri and their owners, who can also win spot prizes such as dog biscuits, leashes and dog beds.