The Animal Justice Party (AJP) has hit back at Auckland Council's letter to the Minister of Local Government proposing changes to the Dog Control Act 1996, warning that the reforms risk harming dogs while failing to address the real issues of guardianship, funding, and community responsibility.

In a letter dated 24 September 2025 to Hon Simon Watts, Minister of Local Government, Auckland Council outlined proposed amendments including reduced retention times for unclaimed dogs, expanded council powers, and measures aimed at increasing accountability for irresponsible dog guardians.

While acknowledging some positive intentions and suggestions, the AJP says proposals such as shortened holding times for unclaimed dogs and continued reliance on unreliable shelter-based temperament testing would fast-track healthy, rehomeable dogs to be killed. In the year to July 2025, Auckland Council's pound euthanised 6,079 dogs, a staggering 48 percent increase from the previous year, with a 60 percent kill rate for impounded dogs.

"This is fundamentally a people issue, not a dog issue," said Rob McNeil, Animal Justice Party candidate for Auckland Mayor. "Dogs are paying the price when systems fail. These proposals focus on penalties and reduced holding times, not on prevention or improving outcomes once dogs enter pounds. We need collaborative, community-focused solutions that give dogs a real chance at life, not quick fixes that hide the problem."

McNeil emphasised that the AJP supports reforms, but those that focus on better outcomes for dogs.

The AJP is calling for comprehensive reforms including extended holding periods to increase rehoming opportunities, accessible multi-solution desexing programmes that remove barriers, specialised care and support for dogs with complex needs, flexible processes to help guardians in hardship, humane euthanasia practices, the replacement of unreliable temperament testing with foster-based assessment programmes, increased funding for shelters and rescues to work collaboratively with pounds, and transparent monthly reporting on intakes and outcomes to drive accountability, engage communities, and enable evidence-based solutions.

McNeil added: "The good news is there are excellent examples overseas we can learn from. We've connected with frontline groups and know the solutions are out there. This is complex work that requires both upstream prevention and downstream interventions. Pounds must work with us, the community, and rescues to deliver reforms that are fair, transparent, and humane."

"I urge people to visit our website at animaljustice.org.nz and support real change for dogs by voting Animal Justice Party," McNeil said.

Consider supporting AJP's ongoing efforts to protect animals by joining or donating.

About the Animal Justice Party Aotearoa NZ

AJP was registered in August 2023.

AJP is a political party dedicated to advocating for the rights, welfare, and protection of animals. Their mission is to create a society where animals are treated with respect, compassion, and consideration. Through active participation in the political landscape, they aim to drive policy changes that reflect their commitment to a more ethical and sustainable future.

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