Auckland's Dog Owners urged to join "The Desexy Revolution"

Humane Rescue, Rehabilitation & Rehoming Trust urges Auckland's Dog Owners to "Join the Revolution!"

15 August 2014

An Orewa based animal welfare organisation has won praise from Auckland Council for its latest initiative. Animal Management describes The Humane Rescue, Rehabilitation & Rehoming (HURRAH) Trust's Desexy Revolution as a "proactive 'fencing of the cliff' initiative", which is "an essential component of the long term solution to animal welfare."

The Desexy Revolution offers free spaying and neutering services to all Auckland dog owners holding a Community Service Card. Presently nine vets around Auckland have signed up to the project, and pharmaceutical companies are also pledging their support.

HURRAH is an independent dog welfare charity, run entirely by volunteers. Its priority is to rescue dogs with a proven temperament from euthanasia. Educating owners on the importance of removing their pets from life on a chain is also a fundamental part of the charity's work. The Desexy Revolution is the brainchild of HURRAH's trustee Chrissy Clements, who feels that it is a natural progression.

New Zealand has one of the highest levels of pet ownership (per capita) in the world, well ahead of the US, UK and Australia. Comments Chrissy, "A 2011 survey found that nearly one-third of all NZ households own a dog. However, hundreds – if not thousands – of dogs are euthanized in pounds and shelters every year simply because there are not enough homes for them all. We have to act now to stop this tragic waste of life."

As well as halting the uncontrolled (and unwanted) dog population growth, there are many more good-sense reasons to have a dog neutered. Desexed animals:

Generally live longer, happier lives

•Are less likely to develop certain cancers

•Are less likely to roam and /or get lost

•Are less likely to suffer with anti-social behaviour

•Are less likely to attack humans and /or other animals

These last three points are not only of benefit to the dog itself, but also to the wider community – keeping it safer and healthier.

Education is a crucial part of the Desexy Revolution. In particular, trying to dispel the myth that a neutered dog somehow diminishes an owner's masculinity. "Unfortunately we repeatedly encounter this bizarre opinion," explains Chrissy. "Personally I think affection, health and happiness are very masculine qualities!"

The Desexy Revolution has been designed to be as straightforward as possible for participants. The only information that HURRAH takes is:

•A copy of their CSC

•A photo and a few biographical details (including breed) of their dog (for fundraising purposes)

•Name, date and signature*

More than twenty organisations are already active supporters of HURRAH's Desexy Revolution, including Hope Rescue South Auckland, K9 Doggy Deli, Urban Dogs Dog Day Care and BARK NZ.

Anyone wishing to support, donate to or participate in HURRAH's Desexy Revolution should visit http://desexyrevolution.hurrah.org.nz/ .

* Please note: each vet will have their own disclaimer re. anaesthesia, etc. They will also take the owner's name & contact details so they can follow up after the surgery. Some may require the CSC to be sighted.

ENDS

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