It is with real concern that I now put pen to paper in regard to the lack of legislation to protect the welfare and health of animals held in ‘boarding or day stay accomodation' within NZ.

My neighbours and myself who live within 1/2km of the Papamoa Kennels & Cattery situated at the corner of the Te Puke Highway and the southern end of Welcome Bay Rd have for many months had to listen to near constant barking from the dogs held either in the day stay or boarding facilities.

The barking from this kennel does not dissipate when the kennels are staffed or during the middle of the day or at night when the kennel is unmanned. The dogs may be disturbed by the proximity of loud trucks on the local highway who would know? For dogs to bark constantly they must be continuously stressed?

Cat owners – what can I say – as the kennels house up to 80 dogs I guess that would make even the staunchest of felines want to take a Valium or two if residing nearby!

If any NZ Government had implemented the many recommendations to legislate an act to protect any animal held in a boarding facility then a local council would have the right to cancel a license to operate. Why do we the neighbours of such an unregulated facility have to put up with sleepless nights and over heated houses due to the windows having to be kept shut to lessen the noise as well as putting up with the constant barking, yelping and howling?

Animal welfare is important, but I have to ask why isn't our quality of life relevant?

What would you, the reader, do if you lived in this area?

D McNaughton, Papamoa.