New kennels take pride of place

Three brand new kennels made by a local construction company arrived at Western Bay of Plenty District Council yesterday to make life better for dogs with no house to shelter in.

C3 Construction boss Michael Bowman decided to lend a hand when he heard of Council's callout for kennels to donate to dogs with inadequate shelter in the District.

Michael's team at Papamoa, James Robertson and Mike Barker, spent a couple of days building the kennels and made a special delivery to Council where they were greeted by Council's office dog Alfie and Animal Services staff.

The kennels are beautifully constructed and painted, with a bag of dog biscuits inside.

Animal Services Officer Betty Hall says it was a tremendous gesture by the company and shows that people understand the importance of dog welfare and how councils can help improve the lives of dogs that have a tough life.

Council has had a great response to its kennel hunt with more than 60 kennels donated by people from all over the Western Bay.

The kennels will be posted on Council's Facebook page before being gifted to deserving pooches as part of an education campaign to raise awareness of the importance of providing good shelter and care for dogs. Those kennels that aren't gifted will be raffled or sold for a donation.

Council will start the education campaign at the Doggy Day Out in Omokoroa on 24 March and have other days planned in Maketu on 27 and 28 April 2018.

Council will continue to take phone numbers of people with kennels to donate and will resume collection of them in the new year.

If you have a kennel to donate, please email your name and contact details to animalservices@westernbay.govt.nz.