Dogs for Big Op.

Rarotonga' s Lady Dogs for Big Op.

The Rarotonga Islands Coun cil concerned itself with an unusual subject at its June meeting—the desirability (or not) of spaying female dogs.

Almost a year ago, the Council passed legislation to rid the island of stray dogs. For years Rarotonga had been plagued with starving and diseased animals which were a danger to public health and a menace to road users.

Most of the other Cook Islands already had laws in force which either prohibited dogs altogether, or allowed only males to live.

The Rarotonga ordinance de creed that all female pups were to be destroyed immediately after birth, and all adult female dogs by August, 1958.

Since then owners of healthy female dogs have requested that their pets be allowed to live, providing that they have the animals spayed.

The dog-lovers have won the day. An amendment to the ord inance was passed which allows owners of healthy, spayed female dogs to keep their pets.

It is not yet clear, however, whether the Health Department will accept the additional work of doctoring bitches; or whether the owners will have to club to gether to import a veterinary surgeon from New Zealand.

—Whp.