The Dog Registration and Animal Control Committee (DRACC)

Kia Orana everyone,

When I arrived in the middle of August, just before the borders closed, one of the first things I did was attend a DRACC meeting.

 I did not know much about the committee but had been informed of the aims and the background that led to its formation. 

I will admit to a certain amount of doubt as to whether it would reach its goals. 

That doubt was foolish, as became immediately obvious at that first meeting.

In my previous experience a committee of five people often achieves less than a committee of three. 

I was worried that a committee of five organisations would struggle even more.  I have never been so pleased to be wrong.

The Cook Islands Police provide the chairman, and they are the enforcement and regulation arm of the group.  

Their role as dog wardens and maintaining the dog register are the legal basis of our work.

The leadership they provide is the foundation on which all the other parties can build.

The Ministry of Agriculture provide the framework to which everything is attached. 

By representing the growers they ensure that this important group has a voice in the control aspects of the committee’s work. 

By representing farmers, they remind us to consider livestock, cattle, goats and pigs. 

They perform the vital role of biosecurity, performing surveillance to detect emerging diseases and  protecting all animals from the introduction of exotic diseases.

The SPCA and Te Are Manu, who I represent, are the compliance arm of DRACC. 

We work together to ensure that pet owners are aware of their responsibilities.

And we provide the services that make compliance with those responsibilities possible.

The Ministry of Tourism are the marketing expertise and the financial support that any group require.

 They are a key driver in our endeavours.

Their efficiency and their ability to keep focus on the DRACC, despite the Covid-19 situation, is inspirational. 

DRACC is nearing the end of the first round of Puna Desexing Clinics, but not the end of its work. 

The Dog Registration Act, more desexing clinics in Rarotonga, and an extension of our work to the Pa Enua meanz a busy and exciting time ahead.

Michael Baer

Te Are Manu