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normal business hours from 9:00am until 4:00pm - Monday to Friday

ph +64 6 867 2049 | toll-free 0800 653 800 |email [1][GDC request email]
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Zealand | url [2]www.gdc.govt.nz

References

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1. mailto:[GDC request email]
2. http://www.gdc.govt.nz/

Tēnā koe Madeline,

 

I hope this email finds you well.

 

Your information request as follows refer:

 

Killing of dogs Gisborne District Council, Since the killing of Sarge: How
many dogs have you killed? What was the method of killing? What were the
times and dates of the killings? How many of the dogs you killed were
healthy? How many of the dogs you killed exhibited aggression issues such
that a reasonable person would consider them a safety risk? Were the
owners contacted and advised of the planned killing and given the
opportunity to respond? What method of communication is used to inform
owners you plan to kill their dog? Were the owners permitted to be in
attendance when you killed their dog? How many dead dogs were returned to
their owners? What covering or container was used to return the dead dogs
to their owners? If the dead dogs were not returned to their owners how
did you dispose of their bodies?

 

Your request for the above information has been considered under the Local
Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) and
granted.

 

For the period since the killing of Sarge to time of your request we can
confirm as follows:

 

How many dogs have you killed? One dog has been euthanised.

What was the method of killing? Bolt gun method.

What were the times and dates of the killings? The afternoon of
22/09/2023.

How many of the dogs you killed were healthy? One, although aggressive in
nature.

How many of the dogs you killed exhibited aggression issues such that a
reasonable person would consider them a safety risk? One.  The dog in
question was aggressive and the owner surrendered the dog knowing that it
was going to be euthanised.

Were the owners contacted and advised of the planned killing and given the
opportunity to respond? The dog was surrendered to Council. The owner knew
that it was going to be euthanised. Our normal process is that owners are
advised of the method of euthanasia and given the opportunity to seek an
alternative method at their own cost e.g. injection via vet.

What method of communication is used to inform owners you plan to kill
their dog. The dog owners are notified when their dogs are in the pound.
They are told of the statutory timeframes they have to reclaim dogs. If
the dogs are not reclaimed by the dates stated, the dog then becomes
property of Council. Attempts are made to rehome dogs if suitable and we
have some success in doing so. However, if the dog is unsuitable for being
rehomed they are euthanised.

Were the owners permitted to be in attendance when you killed their dog?
The dog was surrendered and the owners did not wish to be present.

How many dead dogs were returned to their owners? Owners can request to
have their euthanised dogs back. If not requested, the dog is disposed of.

What covering or container was used to return the dead dogs to their
owners? The euthanised dog is put in a proper body bag for dogs once
euthanised.

If the dead dogs were not returned to their owners how did you dispose of
their bodies? The euthanised dogs are placed into a dog body bag and then
put inside a freezer before being taken for disposal.

 

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of
this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
[1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.

 

Ngā mihi,

 

Gary

 

 

Gary McKenzie
Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Manager
Te Kaunihera O Te Tairāwhiti - Gisborne District Council
E: [2][email address] | P: +64 6 867 2049, 0800 653
800
A: 15 Fitzherbert Street, Gisborne | [3]Web | [4]Fb | [5]App

 

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References

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1. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
2. mailto:[email address]
3. https://www.gdc.govt.nz/
4. https://www.facebook.com/gisbornedc
5. https://www.gdc.govt.nz/council/contact-us