Pound faces changes after gassing fury

Wanganui's pound is in for a major overhaul after the furore over the gassing of unwanted dogs.

A petition to outlaw gassing of strays - started by local Charlotte Goldsworthy - attracted 62,600 signatures throughout New Zealand and the world from people angry that carbon monoxide was used.

As well as changing the method of euthanasia, the pound will be under the microscope after it was found to be below accepted standards.

Council deputy strategy and development manager Jonathan Barrett told yesterday's Wanganui District Council meeting that, under terms of legislation, the pound fell well short of animal-welfare standards and operational requirements.

Among the shortcomings was insufficient kennel space and inadequate drainage, lack of shelter from the weather, lack of quarantine facilities, lack of an adequate exercise area, all on a small site in an inappropriate location. Councillors agreed to a review of the facilities and the costs involved to improve the operation.

Ms Goldsworthy, backed by HUHA animal-welfare group members, presented the petition in the form of a pen drive because she said it would have taken 2000 sheets of paper for the number of signatures. She said she was impressed with how the council had responded to her petition and apologised to councillors and council staff who copped abuse over the gassing issue.

"We can also tell the world what's happened and what council has done," she said.

The council stopped gassing dogs and used its emergency budget to fund local vets using lethal injections.

It is estimated lethal injections will cost about $45,000 a year over and above the existing expense of running the pound.

Mr Barrett said the issue of stray dogs was a clear indication that the community needed educating about their responsibilities when it came to owning animals.

He said there was an opportunity for the council to partner with private providers in terms of the pound.

"Council officers have held discussions with HUHA around euthanisation practices, de-sexing, vaccination and educational programmes and potential improvements to the animal re-homing process," he said.

"And discussions are ongoing with Wanganui vets regarding a long-term arrangement for euthanisation of unwanted or neglected dogs."