The Hurunui District Council has rehomed all homeless dogs found in recent years and had some real success with cheeky
tail-waggers that have ‘done the dash’.
Most dogs out exploring in the Hurunui are returned home so quickly, there’s barely time for a woof - some even within
less than 15 minutes. In recent years about half a dozen have been found homeless and all have gone to loving homes.
The council said this is thanks to their wide-reaching resources and dogs having microchips and registration tags. They
also said residents are great at working with Animal Management to find the best outcomes for the district’s canine
friends.
Animal Management Officer Darrin Low said pooches that plan great escapes or become lost in the Hurunui are most-often
found by a local resident who calls the council for assistance.
“We work hard and fast to get dogs back home,” he said. “We’ve had people call us that have been sitting with a lost dog
for hours, days or even longer and the reality is, we’re better placed to find that doggos family. If we can’t, we’ll
find them a new one”.
While the Dog Control Act 1996 states that councils may “sell, destroy or otherwise dispose of” dogs whose homes can’t
be found after a week, the council works to rehome dogs, sometimes going beyond that time frame. Their in-house Animal
Management team have never euthanized a dog that could have been rehomed.
Temperament and medical assessments are carried out on homeless dogs and potential owners are vetted to make sure the
new home will be suitable. New owners are also offered a trial period to make sure everyone will get along. The council
occasionally also team up with Dogwatch in Christchurch and Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue.
Low said he gets to know the dogs he is rehoming while they are in his care and works to find the right home. “We look
for the best outcome possible for every dog that comes along, some can be timid, energetic, young, or old. All have
unique personalities that are a pleasure to get to know” he said.
“I’d like to thank all our local residents who have adopted dogs when there has been no other option and all those who
share our facebook posts and help get lost dogs back with their families.”