Facelift for dog pound

Long-awaited changes to Whangarei’s dog pound are due to be completed within three months.

The $230,000 improvements were planned following a 2007 review of the way Council manages dog control and the conditions for impounded dogs.

An independent investigation found the animals were treated humanely, but a number of improvements to the facilities were suggested.

Work has now begun on expanded customer reception facilities, upgrading the kennels and building a vet room. "When people come to the pound they are often under stress, having to pay a fine or surrender an animal, so we want to minimise that stress as much as possible," said Regulatory Services Manager Grant Couchman.

"I believe when people walk through the door they will find the whole experience a lot easier than in the past. The whole team is really pleased about the project and the opportunity to make things better for our customers."

The new vet room will provide a space separate from the kennels and have equipment to enable sick or injured animals to be examined and treated.

It will also enable owners of dogs which are to be destroyed to pay to have their animals put down by injection.

"Upgrades to the kennels will make cleaning quicker and more effective than in the past and will also improve ventilation," Mr Couchman said.