DOGS NOW SEEN AS VALUABLE ASSET

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30630, 22 December 1964, Page 8

DOGS NOW SEEN AS VALUABLE ASSET

The dog today was regarded by the farming community as a valuable working asset which needed to be looked after and cared for properly. Much of this improved attitude to dogs had come about through the hydatids eradication campaign, the chairman of the National Hydatids Council (Mr T. MeCristell) said at the weekend. From the outset the National Hydatids Council had rtnJ’ h e a nntrol th nrn^r rt h a nn«ine and feeding as well h as the necessary features comSlete registration and testing he laid 8 testing, ne T „ h,. previously widespread feedH. s *y J^W ea PE® ad *ee d whatever g scraps or meat were available, the farmer had become more conscious of the

need to provide his dogs with a regular, balanced diet to maintain them in good working condition. The National Hydatids Council believed that many farmers had little idea what their dogs actually cost to feed. With present high prices being paid by freezing works for old ewes, formerly killed for dog feed, these costs on a national scale must be quite considerable. Alternative Fnnd Withl its experiments to find a suitable alternative dog food whlch was nutritious > econonuc and acce P table t 0 d °S s and owners the council hoped t eventually the [ eeding of raw meat to dogs by ensuring that a supply of of a standardised Product was available at a reasonable rate, The sausage . type dog food at p resent un der investigation by the council was continuing to show great promise and throughout New Zealand keen interest was being shown by individual dog owners and local authorities. Denying dogs access to raw offal and dead carcases was the key to the successful eradication of hydatids. This involved proper feeding, so that the dog did not become “meat hungry” and go scavenging, good housing (which in itself lessens the daily food requirement) and complete control at all times, Mr McCristell said.