The Environmental Management Activity is comprised of all the regulatory activities carried out by Council on behalf of the district and its ratepayers. It includes Environmental Protection, which encompasses the broad range of monitoring and enforcement functions; Resource Management which includes the review, update and administration of the District Plan and the processing of resource consents; and finally building control, which includes the management of the Building Act 2004 and Building Codes as well as the issuance of building consents.

These are a mixture of activities carried out for the public good as well as functions that are undertaken to benefit individual organisations, groups and developers.

Animal Control

The Animal Control Activity administers and enforces the Dog Control Act 2006 and aspects of the Impounding Act 1955 that are Council’s responsibilities.

Wandering stock are impounded if found on Council controlled roads, if the owner cannot be traced. In addition, stock are impounded if brought to Council for trespassing onto private property.

Animal Control contributes by

• Ensuring unrestrained dogs and wandering stock are controlled.

– development so far – 

Dog Registration

What we said  we would do in 2013/14

To increase dog registration by following up on known dogs not registered and targeting unregistered dogs.

What we did in 2013/14

59 dogs were seized as a result of failure to register. Police assistance was sought in cases where dog owners resisted seizure of their dogs.

What we plan to do in 2014/15

To increase dog registration by following up on known dogs not registered and targeting dogs that have never been registered.

Wandering Stock

What we said  we would do in 2013/14

Reducing incidents of wandering stock by working with stock owners at high risk or frequent incident locations.

What we did in 2013/14

Numbers of reoccurring incidents for properties have been resolved working with stock owners. This has resulted in stock being sold at auction. This year horses have been an increasing problem.

What we plan to do in 2014/15

Reducing incidents of wandering stock by working with stock owners at high risk or frequent incident locations.

Options For Disposal

What we said  we would do in 2013/14

Investigate the options for disposal of unwanted dogs, including associated costs.

What we did in 2013/14

Although commenced, this review will carry over into 2014-15.

What we plan to do in 2014/15

Complete review of the options for disposal of unwanted dogs, including associated costs.

Neutering Programme

What we said  we would do in 2013/14

Investigate the introduction of a neutering programme for dogs re-homed from the pound, including associated costs.

What we did in 2013/14

Some re-homed dogs have been neutered by arrangement with one particular vet, however not all dogs are.

What we plan to do in 2014/15

Investigate the introduction of a neutering programme for dogs re-homed from the pound, including associated costs across the district.

– what we have achieved in 2013/14 –  

• The Okaihau (southern) pound has had some upgrade work carried out with the addition of a covered area and vehicle wash down.
• The Southern stock pound has been relocated from Pakaraka to Okaihau to be on the same property as the dog pound.

– where are we now? – 

• Priorities in the Kaitaia area, and the streamlining of dog registration processes has led to public education programmes to increase dog owners awareness of their responsibilities. However, this is a priority for 2014/15 now the Animal Control team are back to full strength and the new staff are fully operational we can look to actively promoted educational talks.
• Limited success with a small number of re-homed dogs by working with one veterinary practice.

- key priorities planned for 2014/15 –

Transport Strategy and Advocacy Plan

• Continue public education programmes to increase dog owners’ awareness of their responsibilities.

¹ Please refer to the Animal Control section of the Long-Term Plan (LTP) 2012/13 and the Annual Plans 2013/14 and 2014/15 for further information on priorities