Lock up your dogs

Stray dogs beware. Masterton will be crawling with undercover dog control agents later this week and the chances of getting snapped will be high.

That is the message from Masterton District Council's team leader animal control Craig Robinson, who said 87 animal control officers are coming to town today (Wednesday) for the 47th Annual Animal Control Conference.

Taking place over two days (Thursday and Friday), the conference is a joint event organized by the three Wairarapa councils. Its theme this year is "Improve Public Safety by Taking the Lead".

Mr Robinson said guest speakers from America, Ben and Lynne Hart, would talk on animal behaviour and - on Friday - the delegates would hear from NZ Police on the affects of the drug ‘P', an Australian expert on the subject of DNA testing of dogs and taking samples after an attack, a motivational speaker on ‘healthy thinking and dealing with stress' and the DIA on ‘changes to dog control legislation'.

"We also have nine trade suppliers on site promoting: microchipping, containment units to keep dogs on properties, a National Dog Database representative, bark collars, dog control officer equipment and educational material from Australia.