Leaving dogs to roam & fencing issues - a plea

Lucinda Neighbourly Lead from Mangere

Dear Neighbours,

I’m making a plea to those of you have dogs to please, please check they are safely on your property when you are in or go out. I don’t mean chaining them 24/7 but just ensure they have shelter, clean water and are safe from people who may steal them and can’t get over, under or through fences and gates. If you have no fencing, keep them indoors.

This especially includes dogs where gates or fencing are inappropriate to their needs. I spend far too much time chasing stray dogs only to find the properties they live on are inadequate to council requirements to keep them safely on your property.

You may THINK they don’t get out but the number of times I’ve followed them home to find they’re getting through broken fences, broken or unlocked gates or even no fencing.

They are a danger to themselves, traffic and potentially others. If no desexed they give rise to more unwanted puppies on the street. They can be picked up by cruel people to be used for baiting or by animal control who will fine you for their return. They can get lost, injured by cars or stolen.

As always, the safest place for dogs is in your home but if you keep them outside don’t chain them and don’t let them roam. Contain your pets and look after their welfare.

PLEASE, for the sake of your dog/s, the community, your pocket and my sanity - CHECK YOUR DOGS ARE SAFE AND CANT ESCAPE YOUR PROPERTY.

Thanks for your consideration. :)