Central Otago District Council animal control officer Blair Ridgley has been out about in the district showing off his newly-sign written van in recent days.

Roaming: Leave this to your phone network not your dog, which is written on the side, draws attention to wandering dogs, or dogs that have become lost or separated from their owners.

Blair Ridgley, dog lover and animal control officer by the van. PHOTO: CODC

“The van and the new signage will make the service more visible, and the cheeky messaging is designed to make the dog control service friendly and accessible, while also reminding people of responsible dog ownership,” Blair said.

The former aviation security service dog handler from Auckland, who moved to Central Otago late last year, is a self-confessed dog lover.

“A lot of my career has been working as a dog handler and with dogs. I always feel a strong sense of responsibility towards a lost or injured dog to get them help, or reunited with their owners as soon as possible, and to reach a happy outcome for all.”

He carries a microchip reader onboard his vehicle for instant identification and can also register dogs on the spot.

“A lot of what I do is enforcement, but it’s also a lot about education and helping people think about responsible dog ownership, whether that be picking up their poo and disposing of it responsibly, keeping dogs under control or just ensuring that the dog’s details are up to date.” 

As time and duty allows, Blair intends to be spending a few hours in different communities each week in an educational role.

“Don’t be afraid to come and say hello.”

For information about dog control in the Central, check out the Council the Council’s page on The Central App.