Staggering number of puppies to be prevented by $1m desexing drive in NZ

A combined total of nearly $1.2 million has been earmarked to desex roaming dogs across Auckland and Northland. The sum consists of a $468,000 grant from the Lottery Minister’s Discretionary Fund, and $700,000 from the SPCA.

SPCA Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Alison Vaughan, told rova the 12-month programme is just one piece of the puzzle.

“It’s not a silver bullet, but it is one of the most evidence-based and effective tools we have as part of a wider preventative approach…this also gives us opportunities to engage positively with these communities and provide education about responsible dog ownership,” she added. 

The non-profit will work in partnership with councils, local groups, and vets, identifying the most at risk dogs. There are approximately 3,000 across the upper North Island.

It’s hoped early intervention will get the roaming population under control, lowering the likelihood of serious bite incidents. 

“Desexing these dogs will prevent an estimated 7,500 puppies in the first year alone and approximately 45,000 puppies across the lifetime of the desexed female dogs in the program,” Vaughan said.

In a statement, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden outlined the reason behind her near half-million contribution.

She said like many New Zealanders, reports of uncontrolled dogs and irresponsible breeding have left her concerned.

 “There have been four lives lost in four years, and every year thousands of injuries from dog bites are recorded. The toll of these incidents on communities and families has grown too large, and preventative measures are needed.”

Three of the fatal attacks happened in Northland, which will be a focus when the programme begins on April 1st. However, Vaughan said roaming dogs are a national issue. 

“We know that these regions [Auckland and Northland] both have high numbers of un-desexed dogs and significant barriers to accessing veterinary care, particularly in these rural and remote communities…but this cannot be where it stops.”

Vaughan believes current legislation is in desperate need of a revamp.

“We have a Dog Control Act that is 30 years old…we don’t have any breeder regulations. So we need a combination of all of these things to really get this whole issue in New Zealand under control. Other countries have done it - we need to follow,” she said.

Van Velden also appeared to be looking at the future.

 “This desexing programme is part of a wider Government package to tackle the problem of these horrific attacks, with further detail to be announced soon,” she said.

SPCA is expected to provide the Minister with quarterly progress reports on the desexing rollout.