Apology to Janice Blissett

On 16 September 2020, an employee of Kaipara District Council disclosed the home address of Ms Janice Blissett and information about the number of dogs being kept at her property to an individual associated with the Bay of Islands Animal Rescue Trust.

On 10 October 2020, individuals associated with the Bay of Islands Animal Rescue Trust came onto Ms Blissett’s property, assaulted members of her family, and took a number of her dogs.

These events are very serious matters. The Kaipara District Council does not condone illegal and antisocial behaviour in any way and strongly condemn these actions. Any investigation and resulting criminal charges is the responsibility of the New Zealand Police and the Council makes no further statement on the actions of those individuals.

The Kaipara District Council apologises unreservedly to Ms Blissett and her family for the disclosure of this information.

The Council did not anticipate that its disclosure of Ms Blissett’s information would lead to the harm caused by individuals associated with the Bay of Islands Animal Rescue Trust and deeply regrets the disclosure.

The Council wishes to record that Ms Blissett has never been the subject of any prosecution by the Council or SPCA in relation to the welfare of any animal kept at her property and is complying with all obligations under the Dog Control Act 1996 relating to the welfare of her animals. All of the Council’s engagements with Ms Blissett in relation to the welfare of her animals have been positive and constructive, and we hope this continues into the future.

The Council records that it will no longer be working with the Bay of Islands Animal Rescue Trust or its personnel on any professional basis. 

27 September 2021

Louise Miller
Chief Executive