Seven hundred dogs are shot dead by the Far North District Council every year. They are the dogs who end up in the pound because nobody wants them. The main FNDC dog pound can currently hold up to approx 30 dogs. When the pound is full council animal control workers take them to a designated site, tie them to a post and shoot the dogs!

 

As soon as the first dog is shot, the others become terrified, whining, whimpering, trying to escape. It doesn't make any difference. They get shot too. Their bodies are tossed into a disposal pit. This is the council's policy. It won't spend the money on humane euthanasia to give these dogs a painless, dignified death.

 

AnnMaree Mills of Northland wants to get the council to change it's policy.

 

Sign this petition to support FNDC changing their shooting of unwanted dogs for disposal.

 

She wants you to get the answers to these questions:

 

Why are there still councils in NZ who think it's OK to inflict this inhumane death on dogs?

 

Are the council workers expert marksmen whose accuracy guarantees these dogs a quick, painless end?

 

Are the council workers counselled and supported to carry out this emotionally draining task?

 

Are these dogs destroyed in accordance with the Animal Welfare guidelines?

 

MP David Clendon discovered the following from an animal welfare specialist:

 

"In the Code of Welfare for Dogs, shooting is a recommended best practice method, if a vet is not available. It does clarify that shooting should only be undertaken by a fully competent person, taking special care to safeguard people and other animals in the area.If the dog is shot it should not be in the presence of other dogs."

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