MEDIA RELEASE
27 November 2009
Taupo District Councillors and other officials gathered yesterday morning to mark the official opening of the new Taupo District Animal Management Centre on Centennial Drive.
The new premises will be shared with the Taupo SPCA, who are yet to complete their side of the building due to financial restraints.
“We are about 95% of the way there with the dog pound, we are just waiting on a sealed driveway” says Environmental Services Group Manager Gareth Green.
The state of the art facility, which replaces the old and dilapidated building on Spa Rd, has housing for 43 dogs, stock handling facilities with yards and paddocks, offices for staff, and a reception area. “There will also be an amnesty drop off zone where dogs or other animals can be left with no questions asked,” says Mr Green.
Mayor Rick Cooper says early discussions with the Taupo SPCA led to the new building being developed a lot faster than anyone had expected. “I think this has been an awesome project that everyone can be very proud of. I must apologise to the SPCA for how quickly this has happened, now they must find the money to finish off their side.”
The Mayor also thanked Contact Energy for very generously leasing the land to the Council, stating that it could not have happened without their help and support.
Mayor Cooper then graciously handed over his usual ribbon cutting privilege to Animal Management Supervisor Cherry Hewitt in recognition of her 30 years of service to the Taupo District Council, and her commitment to the welfare of animals within. “She’s a hard working lady, and deserves to be the one to cut the ribbon” said Mayor Cooper.
Staff and animals will be moving in next week, although the permanent access from Owen Delany Park will be completed next year.
Anyone wishing to donate money or time to the Taupo SPCA building fund can contact Faye Johnson on 378 0825 – or can make an automatic donation by ringing the Automatic Donation Line 0900 77 22 82.
Taupo District Council staff Cherry Hewitt (centre) opens the new pound, with help from Kelvin Short (left) and Ian Hill (right).