11 January 2024
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Removal of after-hours dog drop-off box at Rotorua Pound
Enquiry
I saw the council is removing the after-hours dog drop-off box and had some questions about this.
What was the drop off box purpose?
What prompted its removal?
How often was it used?
What issues were associated with it? Were there too many dogs being surrendered, dogs dropped off fighting in it, complaints of its use, dogs being taken from it?
How does its removal ensure the safety of staff?
Dogs?
What is the alternative to the box?
Where was the box located? (i.e. roadside?)
Has it been removed already?
Follow-up questions from reporter:
The reporter requested a more detailed description of the purpose of the drop off box.
I would have thought it obvious I was asking if it was intended for people to drop off dogs they can no longer care for, to drop off dogs they themselves have found roaming and do not own, or something else. I'm sure there are a range of reasons why someone might drop off a dog. Would appreciate an appropriate answer to that question please.
And just to confirm from the below, there have been no instances of dogs being taken from it and no complaints of its use?
Why was the box removed two days ahead of when the public were told it would be removed by?
Response
From Rotorua Lakes Council spokesperson:
Dog pounds across the country are phasing out afterhours drop-boxes due to concerns about aggressive dogs and the potential spread of illnesses like parvovirus. There is also a risk for council staff when attempting to remove aggressive dogs from these boxes.
If you need to drop off a dog, you can still do so between 11am and 1.30pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can contact Rotorua Lakes Council on (07) 348 4199 or via email at info@rotorualc.nz to make an arrangement with Animal Control.
While not all dogs can be re-homed due to the breed, temperament or health issues, the team tries to find new homes for as many as the can. There is also a dedicated Facebook page -- Rotorua Pound – Homeless Hounds. In the year ending 30 June 2023 the team successfully found homes for 80 dogs.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of dog owners to ensure their pets are fed, watered and properly secured on their property or while out walking.
The afterhours drop-box, previously located near the gated entrance, was removed yesterday. On average, the box was used about once a week throughout last year.
Note to reporter: Regarding your first question, the name of the box accurately reflects its purpose.
Response to follow-up questions:
The reasons you’ve listed could be among a raft of reasons why someone would use an afterhours drop off box. It’s not the council’s role to decide or speculate on why people drop off a dog after hours.
There was no constant monitoring of the drop off box for staff to know if dogs were removed from it.
No complaints have been received about the drop off box.