Ongoing investigation into Kaipara property that houses dozens of dogs

Police are investigating an altercation on a property near Dargaville where the owner allegedly pointed a gun at a person trespassing on his property claiming to be concerned for the welfare of the dozens of dogs in his care.

A video of the tense incident on Saturday allegedly uncovering the bad condition of the dogs in it

Care is widely distributed on Facebook.

The images show a number of breeds, including beagles and golden retrievers, that are separated into areas, some with broken paddles on the ground.

Northland Police Sergeant Major Rob Huys said police attended an incident Saturday at a Kaipara address related to this matter and were still conducting investigations.

The Kaipara District Council is also aware of the situation and was working with the SPCA and other agencies on the number of dogs being kept on the property.

Kaipara District Council Managing Director of Customer Experience Darlene Lang said the council’s goal was to ensure the well-being of the animals and everyone involved.

“Since the investigation is ongoing, no further comment on the actions and results can be made at this time. We are asking for patience as we address the situation.”

SPCA Inspection General Manager Tracy Phillips was unable to comment on the specific case because it would violate the owners’ privacy, but said that when the SPCA investigated, it collected all the facts and made decisions based on “the correct outcome for animals”. .

“If we go into a property and we just bring animals, people will just replenish themselves,” he said.

Phillips said the SPCA worked with the owners on a plan to achieve “the right outcome,” but could not say what was happening in this situation.

“If we want to maintain our status as an approved organization, we have to do things according to the law. We have to be reasonable about it.

“If we needed it and there was an emergency, then the animals would be taken off the property.”

But Huha’s co-founder, Carolyn Press-McKenzie, said the puppy mill near Dargaville was just one of “quite a few” the organization has been investigating.

He said that while puppy mill owners could check the boxes for “food, water and shelter”, many dogs and puppies were not socialized and suffered from significant behavioral problems, meaning that they were “not coping in their new homes and were not appropriate for the new homes. ” “.

The law required the dogs’ behavioral needs to be met, but no one was enforcing that part of the law, he said.

“It is not an isolated situation, and that is the incredibly disturbing thing.”

Press-McKenzie said a lot of people would think the mills were being run by “some wrong old lady,” but there was more behind the surface.

“It’s a great business, it’s a lot of money and it’s very well organized.”

New pet owners usually wanted to do the right thing when buying a puppy, but once they see a photo, “they are lost.”

“They justify taking that animal even if they have concerns.”

He encouraged people to turn to reputable organizations, such as Dogs New Zealand, formerly known as the New Zealand Kennel Club.