LGOIMA Request Details: LG1930

In reply to your request, as you will have noted Manawatu District Council responded to the NZAVS request as follows:

Request SummaryRehoming of dogs, specifically to be used for research, testing or teaching Requested Information

I work for the New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society and I am currently in the process of contacting all city councils in NZ to find out what the different policies are on the rehoming of dogs. Specifically, on the rehoming of dogs to be used for research, testing or teaching (RTT) methods.

This issue was brought to my attention recently when we found out that dogs had been rehomed from a pound in Christchurch and used in a secondary poisoning experiment (more info here). There was quite a lot of nationwide media attention on this so you may have already heard about this!

The Christchurch City Council couldn't confirm what pound the dogs were rehomed from as they said that didn't have that information. However, the Christchurch City Council now has a policy in place that should prevent this from happening again in the future.

Under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) I would like to request a copy of your dog rehoming policy or any other policies that cover the rehoming of dogs to be used for RTT methods.

If you do not have a current policy on this but you are looking at creating one, we suggest using the following wording:

"No animal will be released from an animal pound or shelter into the ownership of any person or organisation for use in a scientific procedure or manipulation for research, testing or teaching purposes as defined by the Animal Welfare Act 1999."

I look forward to hearing from you,

Response

Please see our response to your request, below

Manawatu District Council has a memorandum of understanding in place with PAWS Animal Shelter for the purpose of rehoming dogs from the MDC pound to suitable dog owners.

PAWS Animal Shelter is a registered charity and has its own terms and conditions for responsible rehoming and adoption including temperament testing and assessment for suitability of homes.

The memorandum sets out the terms and expectations of this arrangement.

The terms also include the requirement for compliance with the Dog Control Act and the Animal Welfare Act.

We trust this assists you with your enquiry.