Waiouru dog ranger dreads holidays

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 449, 18 August 1992, Page 10

Waiouru dog ranger dreads holidays

BY JAN SAVELL Lois Kohiti is dreading next week. That's when the school holidays begin and she sees the worst part of her job as the ranger for Waiouru. For her, school holidays mean dogs being destroyed. "Waiouru is such a small area with so many dogs. Unfortunately we're also rural so the dogs are very close to sheep which are someone else's livelihood" Lois said. A dog found on farmland can be destroyed immediately, she said. The collar will be passed on to Lois and it is her job to inform the owner if she

can find them. She estimates only 1 - 2 per cent of the dogs shot are wearing registration tags. "Seventy per cent of the dogs I see are never claimed" said Lois. "I get so angry when I find an owner who didn't come and claim their dog. German Shepherd crosses seem to be the worst. It breaks my heart because the dogs are so affectionate and trusting. I can't help but get attached - and that seventh day comes around so quickly." "The owners have gone away for a holiday and trusted their dog to some

one else. When they come home the dog can't be found. Even with the family at home accidents can happen. The kids leave a gate open or Mum just gets too busy with the children." She believes kennels are the only answer for holiday care and warns against asking a mate in barracks to pop out once a day to feed a chained dog. "I get calls because of a dog barking all night and I go around to find the dog has been forgotten, left on a chain surrounded in his own poo." "You must be careful

about who you ask, someone who will take on the responsibility. Someone who will unhook the dog and play with them for an hour or so each day." Lois said it is important that the owner knows where their dog is 24 hours a day. She believes neighbours can be a big help to owners, telephoning them immediately if they notice that a dog has got out. Dogs found roaming in Waiouru are held in the pound for seven days before being destroyed. The fme for impounding a dog is $35. Waimarino Darts Club Monday 10 August, doubles night, winners, Lyn Drinkwater & Greg Windle. Runners-up, Neil Cranston & Ken Crossan, Kevin Webb & Arvell Wallace, Rosalind Foster & Stephen Wallace. Highest start, Kaylene Crossan, 152. Highest score, Kevin Webb, 180. Highest finish, Greg Windle, 86. Members of our club travelled to Taihape on Saturday to compete in a tournament. Although our club never won any major prizes we enjoyed the tournament. Kevin Webb, Kaylene Crossan and Glenn Wallace were congratulated for their efforts. The winners were Criterion and runners up, White Hart.