DESEXING DOGS, CHANGING LIVES

With Northland’s dog overpopulation crisis spiralling, The Best Dog Trust is tackling the issue head-on by stopping the problem at its source.

Formerly Ruakaka Dog Rescue, the Trust rebranded last year to become The Best Dog Trust – “because all dogs are good dogs, but the best are desexed.” Thanks to the support of generous sponsors the Trust has desexed almost 400 dogs since 2023. But demand is surging and they urgently need support to continue running their free desexing programme across Kaipara and Whangārei.

Desexing dogs doesn’t just benefit the animals – it supports entire communities. “People often point fingers and say owners should do better, or that government and council should do more,” says Trustee Liz Woodward, “but that doesn’t fix the issue. Desexing helps reduce unwanted litters, protects native wildlife, and cuts down on aggressive roaming dogs. It also reduces the strain on animal control services and ratepayers.”

A recent partnership with Morris & Morris Funerals has become a crucial piece of the puzzle. “Their support means we can keep helping dogs between funding rounds,” says Woodward. “It’s an incredibly valuable relationship that shows how local businesses can make a real difference.” Funding from Whangārei District Council has also been instrumental, enabling over 50 dogs to be desexed in the district this year.

The Trust is calling for private donors, new sponsors, and grant funders to join the cause. Whether it’s an annual sponsorship, a donation drive, or asking customers to add $1 to their invoice or purchase, every dollar helps.

“If we want a future where every dog is desexed and no rescue has to shut their doors, we need to work together. We’ve proven this model works – we just need the support to keep going.”

www.BestDogTrust.org.nz/donate | BestDogTrust@gmail.com