Te Are Manu in conjunction with the Dog Registration and Animal Control Committee (DRACC) and the SPCA, will host a number of free de-sexing clinics for dogs starting today.

Each temporary clinic will run from 8am to 3pm. 

The aim is part of a wider plan to manage the “dog problem” in Rarotonga, through sustainable dog population control and management.

“The first clinic will be held in Murienua today for local residents living in communities Betela, Kavera, Aroa, and Rutaki,” said Te Are Manu vet Michael Baer.

“Then we will move on to Matavera which is in two weeks’ time.”

According to Te Are Manu, vets and support staff will visit each village or puna, setting up a temporary clinic that allows them to perform de-sexing surgeries on location. 

Vets will work continuously throughout the day until around 3pm, by which time all dogs will need to be collected or dropped off by their owners. 

Dog owners can drop their dogs off on their way to work in the morning with no need to wait around.

“It would be good if people can be at the clinics from 8am with the last one at 3pm,” said Baer.

“If it is not too busy people might be able to wait around, but we are trying to avoid that because of Covid.

“(Also) transport can be provided, but it’s best if people can call Junior at the SPCA to organise a pick-up so they can fit them in,” he adds.

“We can call when dogs are ready to be picked up.”  

For those requiring transport, the SPCA will provide a pick-up and drop-off service for your dog but owners need to be home, or dogs must be tied up if they are to be collected. 

Dogs must also have a collar and a leash, which are available for purchase from the CITC supermarket, SPCA, or Te Are Manu vet clinic. 

The SPCA can be contacted on 73362 a day before your dog’s appointment, with no bookings accepted on the day.