Official Information Request - 23 July 2018

Attachments:

• Internal Correspondence
• American Pit Bull Terrier Evaluation
• Job description - Team Leader Animal Control

Response:

Sent: Monday, 23 July 2018 9:45 a.m.

Subject: Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request - abandoned puppy

I refer to your Facebook request for information on the abandoned puppy, and provide a response below:

• Copy of all internal correspondence between council staff about this matter.Correspondence attached.
• All information received by council from the lady who found the dog and puppy (I do not require personal information of individuals and recommend this be redacted to ensure their privacy).The puppy and dog were collected from the lady who found them. Council did not receive any further information from her in relation to the dogs other than she had collected them from Opotiki. Council took both dogs to the pound under the 'roaming' category.
• Qualifications of the staff member who determined the 4 week old puppy was of a Pitbull breed, or if qualifications are withheld due to Privacy Act request a copy of the job description for the individual role at the council responsible for determining the breed of an animal that comes into its care.The qualifications of the staff member are withheld under section 7(2)(a) of the above Act 'protect the privacy of natural persons 'However, attached are the job description for the Team Leader Animal Control and the American Pit Bull Terrier Evaluation used by the Animal Control Team.
• Details of genetic testing used in this instance and that which is usually used by the council.No genetic testing was undertaken. The breed of the puppy was independently verified by a Vet.
• Details on the outcome for this puppy.The puppy was humanely euthanized on 5 July.

As per the Act, we are obliged to advise that you may contact the Ombudsman at the address below if you have any concerns with the response provided by Council, by writing to:

The Office of the Ombudsman

PO Box 10 152

WELLINGTON 6143

Alternatively, you may email info@ombudsman.parliament.nz or use the online complaints form available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/make-a-complaint.

Regards