The Dog Registration and animal control committee was formed in early April following a multi-partner workshop to discuss the dog management issue on Rarotonga. This committee is made of representatives from key organisations including the Cook Islands Police Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Te Are Manu (Cook Islands) Inc., Cook Islands SPCA and Cook Islands Tourism. Each organization is prompted by the desire to achieve their common objectives to ensure that the animal issues in the Cook Islands are collectively addressed.

Over the last three weeks, the committee have created and agreed on the governance structure outlined in the terms of reference and their roles and responsibilities as a committee highlighted in their memorandum of understanding.

The committee was formed to strengthen the dog registration process and animal control on Rarotonga and establish a dog and animal control investment plan. Other joint activities include the development of a suite of communication assets to embark on a community outreach program, review all legislation and regulation relating to dog registration, animal welfare and livestock and develop a Pa Enua animal welfare and livestock management plan.

Inspector Strickland, who is the Chairman of the committee said, “A collaborative approach to dog registration and animal control is needed in order to address issues we face in our communities and the formation of this committee is a step in the right direction towards addressing these issues.” In the coming months, regular meetings with the committee will be held to progress on priority areas.

For Media enquiries contact: Christian Mani – Secretary Dog Registration and Control Committee
[email protected]