17 July 2014

Council announces changes to Pukekohe Dog Pound

Following a change in operation at the Pukekohe Dog Pound, Waikato District Council has announced reduced services at the facility, taking effect on 4 August.

The facility, which is owned by Auckland Council and leased by Waikato District Council, was until recently servicing both Auckland and Waikato district dogs.

However the usage for Auckland dogs was low and following discussions between both councils, Auckland Council has decided to no longer use the facility instead nominating the Manukau Shelter as its primary southern facility.

This will see a decrease in business and therefore the hours of the Pukekohe Pound will reduce to Monday to Friday, 2.30pm – 3.30pm, and it will no longer be open on the weekend.

Payments such as dog registrations and infringement fines will also no longer be accepted at the site and will need to be paid at a Council office, the nearest being the Tuakau Office.

General Manager Customer Support Sue Duignan said these changes would align the Pukekohe Pound with Council’s other pound, located in Brownlee Avenue, Ngaruawahia.

“We appreciate this is a change for our customers but it will mean consistency between our pounds in terms of the hours and services offered and the current usage figures suggest these hours are suitable.”

Ms Duignan said Animal Control Officers will continue to be based at the Tuakau Office and patrol the area as normal.

The pound is home to dogs that are picked up wandering or are seized from properties for aggressive behaviour or attacking. If the dog is not collected by its owner within seven days it is assessed for its suitability to be re-homed.

Dogs available for adoption from either pound can be viewed at www.facebook.com/pages/Animal-Re-home-Waikato/512161805505695

ENDS

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