Media release
8 March 2013

Auckland’s animal shelters get a new leash on life

Dogs in Auckland will have 93 more reasons to wag their tails today with the opening of extra kennels across the city’s animal shelters.

Three of the council’s shelters in Henderson, Silverdale and Wiri, have had existing facilities updated to create 93 extra kennels and 17 more exercise yards to cope with ever increasing demand to house lost and displaced dogs.

Mayor Len Brown, who officially opens the extensions today, says that council has a greater capacity to support dog owners and their dogs, and fulfill its responsibility to maintain public safety. In addition, unclaimed dogs can now stay longer in shelters while waiting for their ideal new home.

“The extra shelter places will allow for more time to assess the needs of the dog and potential new owners to ensure a perfect match.

“These extra facilities will also make room for council to shelter dogs displaced by emergencies such as the Hobsonville tornado and to hold dogs that are considered to be a nuisance or a threat to public safety,” he says.

The shelter extensions are part of a range of measures helping to make the future for Auckland’s displaced animals brighter. Last year, the council launched a dedicated lost and adoptable pets’ page on its website that is helping to reunite lost dogs with their owners and bringing about more successful adoptions.

If you are interested in finding out more about animal adoption through Auckland Council please visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

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