9 May 2024: CAB funding, dogs in pound, short-term rentals rate
For the follow up questions we politely declined the request asking to send their photographer to the pound and the following response was supplied.
From Group Manager Community and District Development Jean-Paul Gaston:
In response to how many dogs are unregistered.
Council’s Animal Control team continues to work with dog owners after 1139 infringement reminder notices were served in early April for failure to register their dogs. Any infringements that remained unpaid at 1 May 2024 will be processed via the Rotorua District Court.
*NOTE TO REPORTER: you can see the article on this at Rotorua Daily Post’s website here
What is the latest comparative data you have on the number of animals ending up in the pound and is that increasing or decreasing and why?
Anecdotally, Council’s Animal Control team has seen an increase in dogs being surrendered to the pound, picked up roaming or seized for an offence. There are many reasons behind the increase but the cost of living pressure on our community is certainly a contributing factor.
When a dog arrives, our staff assess the dog to see if it is suitable for rehoming. The dog is assessed on behavioural and physical traits, including whether it is aggressive, menacing, or has a known tendency to roam, as well as what state of health it’s in.
If a dog is suitable for rehoming, a collaborative effort is made to find it a home. Last year the team found homes for about 80 dogs. Currently we have rehomed 26 dogs. Euthanising a dog is the very last resort. We try to rehome as many as possible and we have generous whānau in Rotorua that take on dogs when they can. Council also work with local pet stores to advertise dogs up for rehoming and we work closely with local rescue organisations who do amazing work, but even they are having to make tough calls with the influx of animals. These decisions take a significant emotional toll on our staff. Sadly, our team had to make the call to euthanise 423dogs this year.
With dog ownership comes big responsibilities. All dogs, especially puppies, need nutritious food, a great place to sleep, a well-fenced section and plenty of love and attention. It is a huge investment in time and money and with the socioeconomic conditions New Zealand is currently facing, some whānau may find it tough.
Information you were seeking
Currently we are at maximum capacity, the pound has 67 kennels to hold dogs. I don’t have the exact number of dogs in the pound at-this-point in time
Currently there are seven puppies at the pound.
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Media: OneRoof (NZME)
Topic: Proposed rating of short-term accommodation
Enquiry
I am writing a story about how real estate agents and property management firms have seen an increase in the number of property owners requesting sales appraisals and rental appraisals due to the council's LTP proposal to commercially rate those who own short-term accommodation.
I just wanted to give the council the chance to respond to this.
Do you think these property owners are jumping the gun?
Has the council considered what impacts the new proposal could have on the property market and how many short-term lets it could lose as a result?
Response
Rotorua Lakes Council Chief Financial Officer and Group Manager Corporate Services Thomas Collé:
The proposed rating change relating to short-term rental accommodation is a proposal at this stage and will be deliberated on by elected members as part of decision-making on the 2024-34 Long-term Plan. There are still a couple of days left for people to provide feedback and we would encourage people to do so.
Nikki, you may also wish to check out the information at the above link for your knowledge and understanding and you’re also welcome to use any of the information we’ve provided to media already regarding this proposal, you’ll find that at the following links:
2 May 2024 - Rotorua Lakes Council
