Meet Alanah the Animal Advocate: How One Woman is Changing Pet Welfare

As Wellington City Council’s Animal Liaison Officer, she works every day to improve the lives of animals across Pōneke, ensuring responsible pet ownership and protecting the city’s wildlife.

With eight years of experience as a veterinary nurse and clinic manager, Alanah brings a wealth of knowledge to her role in the Council’s Public Health team.

Whether addressing stray animal concerns, enforcing local pet bylaws, or inspecting kennels and catteries, no two days are the same.

Educating the Public on Animal Laws

A major part of Alanah’s job is educating residents about pet-related regulations, including the little-known bylaw prohibiting roosters on residential properties.

She often encounters surprised homeowners unaware of such rules.

“I handle all public health complaints about animals—whether it’s stray cats, roosters, or livestock,” she explains.

“A lot of people aren’t aware of the bylaws, so I help educate them.”

Tackling Stray Cat Overpopulation

One of Alanah’s proudest achievements is a desexing and microchipping campaign run in partnership with the SPCA.

Through the Council’s stray cat management program, free microchipping and desexing services were provided to reduce stray populations and encourage responsible pet ownership.

“Microchipping is a simple procedure that can make a huge difference in reuniting lost pets with their owners,” Alanah says.

Additionally, as of April 2024, desexing is mandatory for all domestic cats over six months old in Wellington.

This measure benefits both the environment and the animals by reducing unwanted litters, preventing territorial behaviors, and decreasing aggression in male cats.

A Personal Love for Animals

Outside of work, Alanah’s love for animals continues with her six-year-old Golden Retriever, Rio. “She truly is the best—she loves bush walks and swimming!”

Her passion for pet welfare is evident in every aspect of her role. “It’s incredibly rewarding to take what I’ve learned as a vet nurse and use it to educate and support the community.”

And, of course, there’s one unexpected perk to the job—wherever Alanah goes, she’s the go-to expert for pet advice.

“Every time I walk into the office, someone asks me about their dog or cat. It’s like being a vet nurse on call all over again!”

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