Social media has become an integral tool for owners of lost dogs and resulted in fewer pooches ending up in Waipā pounds.
District Growth and Regulatory Services group manager Wayne Allan made the observation in a report to the council’s Strategic Planning and Policy committee meeting this week.
“Many lost dogs are now being advertised on social media and bypassing the pound,” said Allan.
While there were 58 dogs impounded in the quarter between April 1 and June 30, that was down on previous years. Of these, 48 were claimed by the owner, six rehomed and four put down.
A dog which had been at the pound since December last year and been the subject of legal challenges, was also euthanised.
Security cameras are now in place at both Cambridge and Te Awamutu pounds following ongoing abuse reports against staff.