The Best Dog Trust, a local organization in Northland, is facing an overwhelming demand for its dog desexing services, but the funds necessary to continue its work are quickly running out. The initiative, which began as a solution to tackle the growing problem of dog overpopulation, has become crucial in preventing unwanted litters in Whangārei and Kaipara.
Since 2023, the trust has successfully neutered or spayed nearly 400 dogs, thanks to partnerships with sponsors like Morris & Morris Funerals and the Whangārei District Council. However, as the need for these services increases, so does the pressure on the trust’s limited resources. A recent social media post in March saw the funding for Kaipara fully allocated within three days, leaving 56 dogs in need of desexing without any available financial support.
Liz Woodward, a trustee for the organization, explained that the trust’s focus shifted two years ago from rescue operations to addressing the root cause of the problem—overpopulation. “It’s like trying to hold back a tsunami with a teaspoon,” she said. “We realized that the solution lies in providing support for responsible dog ownership, particularly for those who cannot afford the cost of desexing.”
Desexing not only helps manage the dog population but also benefits the broader community. It reduces the number of aggressive, roaming dogs, protects native wildlife like kiwi, and makes areas safer for children and runners. Additionally, it alleviates the burden on animal control services and reduces costs for ratepayers.
The Best Dog Trust rebranded in the past year to emphasize that while all dogs are good, the best ones are desexed. The trust aims to create a sustainable, high-impact program that supports both dogs and the communities that care for them.
Key sponsor Morris & Morris Funerals plays a vital role in keeping the program running between funding cycles, helping the trust continue its mission. “Their ongoing support has been invaluable,” said Woodward, noting how local businesses can make a significant difference in the community.
Despite the backing from the Whangārei District Council, whose funds have helped desex over 50 dogs this year, the trust is now facing a funding shortage. No major funding has been secured for Kaipara, and the organization is calling for private donors, new sponsors, and grant funders to contribute to the cause. Every donation helps ensure that more dogs can be desexed, and the cycle of unwanted litters can be broken.