Council Discusses Rise In Hydatids

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30979, 8 February 1966, Page 18

Council Discusses Rise In Hydatids

Stricter measures were needed to block sources of hydatids infection, the Paparua County Council agreed at its meeting last night, when it was told of a sharp rise in diseased dogs last year.

The council decided to ask the National Hydatids Council to investigate possible sources of infection in the county, and to ask for legislation to make owners of pet shops and stud kennels notify local bodies of sales of pups.

sed possible reasons for the rise in true hydatids, and thought that one move might be legislation allowing of a high registration fee, say £5. for unspeyed bitches, and of prohibition of dogs except on leashes in defined urban areas.

The hydatids inspector (Mr C. P. Catchpole) reported that in 1965, there were 20 cases of true and 53 of false hydatids in the county, compared with 11 true and 55 false in 1964.

The sub-committee also considered that the Hydatids Council should encourage the production of a standard dog food, and that an annual meeting should be called by the council of all dog-owners whose dogs had been infected with hydatids. Several cases of hydatids had occurred in dogs on farms carrying few, if any, sheep, the sub-committee said. Over-all incidence of hydatids in the county was very small compared with some other areas.

The council's hydatids subcommittee said it had dismis-

“It would be far more effective if we had power to shoot stray dogs on sight,” said Cr. J. U. Barclay. That power already existed with dogs straying on private property, said the Clerk (Mr A Kelly). Cr. L. P. Manion said he understood local butchers supplied raw offal for dog meat.

“Too Many Loopholes” “There are too many loopholes and we can’t understand why the Hydatids Council doesn’t get down to tighter rules and regulations,” said Cr. D. H. Warren, a member of the sub-committee. A councillor: What about pet food sold by supermarkets? Cr. H. W. Bennett said he knew a street where there were four dogs. Two were tested regularly, the others not.

“The penal fee for bitches should not be applied to breeding kennels Or to those with working dogs,” said Cr. Manion.

Surely the Hydatids Council could send an investigating officer to try to find causes, said Cr. Barclay. The council had investigated, but was unable to pin-point anything. His motion to this effect was carried.