Everyone has a role in tackling unwanted animals

New Zealand Kennel Club Inc

Te Runanga Matua, Take Kuri o Aotearoa

Media Release 20 October 2005

Everyone has a role to play in tackling unwanted animals

“Yesterday's neuter-a-thon at the Pakuranga Vet Clinic is an excellent beginning. Now everyone involved with dogs and cats must realise we all have a part to play to tackle the problem of too many unwanted animals.

“Vets, NZ Kennel Club, the SPCA, and responsible breeders all have to work together,” said (Mrs) Lesley Chalmers, president of the NZ Kennel Club.

The Pakuranga Vet Clinic yesterday offered free desexing of male cats. About 60 animals were 'fixed' in one day. It was part of the 'De-Sex and the City' campaign headed by AUT Bachelor of Communication students, and supported by the SPCA.

“There are too many unwanted dogs and cats in the country. Manukau City has the biggest dog problem in the country with hundreds of dogs being euthanised each month.

“Action is needed to tackle the causes.

“We applaud vet Ian Scandrett and the Pakuranga Vet Clinic for getting started. Now 70 plus Auckland vets are set to follow.

“NZ Kennel Club is speaking out on behalf of responsible dog owners. We oppose puppy farms and indiscriminate backyard breeding. We oppose pet shop sales for good reasons. We oppose the breeding of fashion-statement 'designer dogs.'

“Good breeders of pedigree dogs do their bit by not selling to pet shops. Good breeders assure puppy purchasers that they will always take the dog back at any age if things don't work out or circumstance change. Good breeders encourage desexing of puppies going to pet homes.

“SPCA branches used to approach the problem solely by taking in unwanted animals. Now they are realising that is not enough. We welcome that shift.

“If anyone says that a responsible vet like Ian Scandrett is taking business away from the vet profession, our response is that person needs to realise it's about more than money,” said Lesley Chalmers.

ENDS

www.nzkc.org.nz

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