Official Information Request - 19 June 2019

Sent: Thursday, 20 June 2019 10:30 a.m.

Subject: Information request - dog pound rehoming protocols

I refer to your email of 19 June 2019 requesting information regarding Council's protocols when rehoming dogs from the pound, and reply below as per your email:

1) Are dogs desexed prior to being adopted out from your pound?

Yes all dogs adopted out of the Rotorua Lakes Council pound are desexed, unless given to the SPCA or another trusted rehome facility that desexes the dog when they rehome them. In all cases dogs are desexed before they go to new owners.

2) Are dogs microchipped and registered prior to being adopted out?

Yes all dogs adopted out of the pound are registered and microchipped, unless given to the SPCA as this is not required under the Dog Control Act until the dog is rehomed.

3) Are dogs vaccinated against parvo before they are adopted out?

No Council does not vaccinate against parvo prior to adoption.

4) How much does your council charge as the adoption fee?

Male Dogs - $79.00, plus registration

Female Dogs - $124.00, plus registration

(registration cost is determined on a pro rata basis depending on the time of the year)

5) Are properties checked out prior to a dog being adopted out to see where the dog will live?

Yes property inspections are carried out.

6) Do you do background checks on the prospective new owners?

Yes background checks are carried out and taken into consideration before rehoming dogs.

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