Whakatāne District Council has rewarded Lex and Daphne Green from Otakiri for making their earlybird dog registration payment this year. Mrs Green was thrilled to be taking home the main prize of a kennel and run and pet food, all valued at $750, to their lucky springer spaniel, Bryn.

This year the Whakatāne District Council Animal Control team, with help from their sponsors Nestlé, gave away 13 prizes to lucky dog owners from Murupara to Ōhope. Nestlé also sponsored 1,000 free dog samples of their Purina Tux and Pro Plan dog food products that were given to people when they registered their dogs.

Whakatāne District Council Community Regulation Manager, Graeme Lewer says it’s good to acknowledge those who are proactive. "The prize giveaway is a great way to show our appreciation towards responsible dog owners who take the time to register their dogs."

The Whakatāne District Council's online dog registration service proved popular this year, with an increased number of dog owners taking advantage of the convenient registration payment method.