The Dunedin City Council is the only local authority in the country with proven success in controlling the dog population.
Now, the Royal New Zealand SPCA want to use it as an example.
SPCA shelters across the country have been overwhelmed by unwanted puppies, according to the national office.
"This is truly a community problem. SPCA centres should not be a dumping ground for unwanted animals," RNZSPCA national chief executive Robyn Kippenberger said.
Dunedin was the one city not experiencing this problem, due to its controlled de-sexing programme, she said.
DCC environment health-animal control team leader, Ros MacGill, is proud of the way it handled dog control.
Neutering of dogs in Dunedin was funded from both private and public areas, with only 30% of the cost levied on ratepayers.
"We see the benefit of this system. We haven't had any problems putting it into action," Ms MacGill said.
Ms Kippenberger said it was an excellent example of a proactive council system and has obviously had "huge long-term gains". She would approach other councils to advocate this kind of approach.
Recently, the Kaitaia SPCA was presented with 30 puppies, 7 to 9 weeks old, while cities like Auckland had unseasonal overloads.
Ms Kippenberger hoped other councils would learn from Dunedin's example.
"Dunedin doesn't have a puppy problem. That translates to fewer issues with mature dogs - less roaming and aggressive behaviour."
- Sarah Turner
