10 August 2022

At today’s Council meeting, the South Wairarapa District Council agreed to allow extra funding for a new dog pound.

“This has been a contentious issue – many people cannot see why it costs what it does or why we cannot go in with another Council,” Chief Executive Harry Wilson says.

“There have been talks for some time with other Councils but in the past they have been inconclusive, and in the meantime, for our requirements, dogs urgently need a new pound.”

Currently the Council has land at the former Featherston Golf Course that it can use, Mr Wilson said.

“As well as the cost of putting in some services, there are government animal welfare standards that dog pounds must meet. It is likely the longer we delay, the higher the cost.”

Councillors took the opportunity to note that the associated costs had been carefully considered. “The structure itself is only part of the overall cost,” Featherston Councillor Colin Olds said.

Mayor Alex Beijen said that discussions had since resumed with Carterton District Council with a view to some future use of the new Featherston facility. These talks were welcome but at a very early stage, he said.

Councillors agreed to fund up to $456,500 which includes a 10 per cent contingency amount.