A new dog rescue charity is being set up to rehouse stray dogs no longer taken by Otago SPCA.
The Dunedin City Council had signed a memorandum of understanding with Dog Rescue Dunedin for it to provide foster care, training, supervision, and permanent homes for stray dogs, animal control team leader Ros MacGill said.
The council still sought a provider for its dog pound, which at present is operated by Otago SPCA, until September.
Otago SPCA has a new policy dealing with dog rehousing issues. It will no longer be associated with euthanising dogs, and thus will not have the pound associated with its operation.
Dogs can legally be euthanised if unsuitable for rehousing.
Otago SPCA stopped rehousing dogs for the council earlier this year, because of issues arising from its new approach.
Dog Rescue Dunedin would pay a pro rata dog registration for each animal; it would also meet costs such as food, microchipping, veterinary procedures, equipment, and training.
Dogs would be promoted by the dog rescue service through its website, Ms MacGill said.
Dog Rescue Dunedin co-ordinator Dr Jo Pollard said Dunedin lacked a "safety net" for vulnerable dogs. The new organisation was modelled on what operated in other centres.
It was setting itself up as a charitable trust, she said.
Dr Pollard was establishing a network of foster homes, and would take dogs as soon as fundraising allowed.
Dr Pollard has a PhD in animal behaviour.
To give visit www.dogrescuedunedin.co.nzeileen.goodwin@odt.co.nz
