Cook Islands Police Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Te Are Manu, SPCA, Cook Islands Tourism and representatives from the Puna’s on Rarotonga met on Wednesday to address the dog problems on Rarotonga and the challenges each agency faces. The Minister of Tourism, Hon. Patrick Arioka spearheaded the workshop and welcomed the various stakeholders by stating the purpose of the half day workshop during his opening remarks as an integrated partnership support approach with government and non-government agencies to help formalize and implement a 3-year strategy and implementation plan on Dog Control and Management sustainability programs and projects.

The three main objectives during the workshop included, keeping communities safe through a managed and fair programme, formulate an inter-organisational committee and develop a 3-year strategy plan to address these concerns and challenges faced by our community. Halatoa Fua, CEO for Cook Islands Tourism said “collaboration is key to addressing the significant dog issue on Rarotonga and the contributions of all stakeholders will assist in the development of a robust strategy.”

A panel discussion represented by the five (5) key agencies helped identify the current challenges, gaps and responsibilities each agency faces today. The panel discussion and the plenary sessions that followed, helped establish a high level 3-year strategy plan with seven guiding pillars.

Dr. Ellen McBryde of Te Are Manu stated “owning a dog is a privilege, not a right,” which is a remark that resonated with all the participants of the workshop.

For more information on the Rarotonga Dog Control and Management workshop contact Sieni Tiraa  at Cook Islands Tourism.