More dogs abandoned as Hutt registration deadline nears

Pet ownership is a big responsibility, one that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Hutt City Council Animal Services staff know this only too well - they're the ones whose job it is to care for dogs found roaming the city's streets.

They also have to cope with pets whose owners are either unable or unwilling to look after them, and that includes the highly upsetting task of having to arrange to put them down if a new home can't be found for them.

Animal Control officer Jane Schuitema says there has been a run recently of dogs dropped off to the pound due to marriage breakups.

"We also get them from people who surrender them due to work commitments and health issues."

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* If you can provide a good home for a pet contact the staff at Animal Services on 570 6666.

The city council's website huttcity.govt.nz includes the Animal Services "Adopt-a-dog" page and you can also read about the service's rehoming success stories via the "Happy Endings" page.

THE STATISTICS:

From January 2009 to May 2010 in Hutt City:

- 1136 dogs were impounded

- 207 were euthenased

- 823 were released/sold/etc