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OCTOBER 10, 2024
Sanctuary Trust home raided By Andy Campbell
A raid near Maihiihi, east of Ōtorohanga, allegedly found 64 unregistered dogs last week. District council and SPCA staff found the dogs at the Takiwatanga Sanctuary Trust on Tauraroa Rd. Some were classified as dangerous, Ōtorohanga District Council regulatory and growth general manager
Tony Quickfall said. He said other animals were found living in unsatisfactory conditions, but as the council involvement was under the Dog Control Act, the SPCA was looking into the welfare of the other animals. The animal shelter made news in 2019 when it was reported owners Steve and Phil Brown had set up their King Country home and farm as a sanctuary for children
with disabilities and their families. When The News visited the Browns this week Phil Brown said the dogs were registered, and he did not want to talk further. Quickfall confirmed the property owners visited the council offices the day after the raid and discussed the situation with animal control staff. As a result, the owners
agreed to register all 64 dogs and have developed a plan to reduce their numbers. “This is a promising step forward and Animal Control staff will work closely with the owners to ensure this transition is smooth and successful.” Issues outside the district council’s area of operation are being looked into by the Waikato Regional Council. The October 3 action
followed multiple attempts by Animal Control to work with the property owners to resolve issues, Quickfall he said. “The visit was necessary after the owners failed to respond to a formal notice requiring them to register the dogs. Relevant health and environmental authorities have also been notified and potential investigations will follow,” he said.
In July 2021 it was reported almost 500 animals - including dogs, rabbits, birds, llamas, horses, chickens and sheep - were among the residents at the sanctuary. The News was contacted last Thursday by a farmer in the district who said the animal sanctuary had been an issue for some time with persistent reports of large numbers of dogs unfed, and other animal neglect.
Rams, Coasters battle for final spot Rally bid declined By Norris Woodbine
With their trophy cabinet brimming with silverware following a superb 34-17 victory in Whanganui the King Country Rams have an air of confidence ahead of their clash with Ngati Porou East Coast this weekend. By securing a rare win in The River City, their first since 2013, King Country retained the Pinetree Log and reclaimed the Bill Osborne Taonga they had lost to Thames Valley earlier in the season. The bonus point victory sealed fifth place in the Heartland Championship which assures The Rams the top seed in the Lochore Cup and a match against the eighth placed Coast side in Taupō. Rams skipper and hooker Liam Rowlands has been superb all season and his leadership and general play has been inspirational for his troops while current Heartland rep Kaleb Foote, who nailed two tries against Whanganui, is thriving behind a dominant pack. Tongariro United’s Dunster family are a huge part of the forward power while Hamilton Marist’s Eli Winders is forever
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prominent about the park. Half back Kristian Gent-Standen has come of age in 2024 and is clearly enjoying his role behind a dominant pack and the backline is thriving with his decisive service. The Rams have unearthed a real star in Player of Origin Patrick Hedley, who hails from Te Kuiti but represents the Varsity club in Hamilton and over the course of the season has produced a few match winning moments. Josevata Malimole has resurrected his career and is a rock in midfield while Zac Wickham-Darlington has hit the form button since the birth of his second baby and is an absolute weapon out wide, scoring a great try against North Otago and another at Cooks Gardens. Backs coach Ben Draper has an abundance of riches at his disposal and his final selections will be interesting. Traditionally matches between Ngati Porou East Coast and King Country produce an exciting brand of rugby, and with fine weather predicted and the beautiful Owen Delany surface, Saturday’s game should fit the mould.
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•Keep pillar
Zac Wickham-Darlington has been a star out wide.
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Organisers of the Targa Rally have been dealt a blow by a Waitomo District Council decision to decline an application for road closures. Councillor Janette Osborne told The News the council had turned down the application because of concerns raised in submissions and the anticipated impact road closures would have during a long weekend. Rally organisers wanted to have roads closed on October 25 and 26 for the event – but those dates clash with Labour Weekend. Labour Day, a public holiday, is on October 28. Roads which would have been impacted included part of Harbour Road within the Waitomo District, Taharoa Road, Te Anga Road, Haurua Road, Waitomo Valley Road and Rangitoto Road. The four-day rally based around Otorohanga, Kawhia Harbour, King Country and finishing in Rotorua, is planned to start on October 24.