Kawerau District Council revealed plans this week to expand its dog pound into the neighbouring former SPCA building to create a new modern Animal Shelter and Rehoming Facility.

The existing pound in Spence Lane is a dark, poorly ventilated building, and non-compliant with 2018 national animal welfare codes.

A proposal to replace the dog pound was made in 2019. Plans were developed and tenders submitted, however, funding shortfalls and delays have stalled progress.

Then, in July 2022, the SPCA closed its Kawerau facility, leaving the building adjacent to the pound empty.

Council staff have assessed the facilities and developed concept plans, building on the existing features of both buildings, to create a facility that prioritises animal welfare and future sustainability.

The facility will cater not only for dogs but also larger animals such as cows and horses. Pigs, goats, sheep, ducks and chickens would also need to be housed on occasion.

It is also considering using the current pound building as an animal crematorium.

The council authorised staff to proceed with final designs and allocated $25,000 for this.

A report for the year ending June 30, 2024 showed Kawerau district had 1378 dogs registered.

Over the year, 173 dogs were impounded. Of those, 52 claimed by their owners, 27 rehomed and 71 euthanised. Seven dogs remained in the pound at the end of the fiscal year.

The report also showed that there were 975 requests for service to dog control and 165 infringements handed out. Of these, 78 ended were waived and one ended in a court prosecution.

There were 754 statutory incidents, including 435 roaming dogs, 208 incidents of barking, 16 attacks on other dogs and 16 attacks on people.