Hundreds of pound dogs in Rotorua have been put down, as cost of living pressures impact adoptions

From July 2023 to March 30 Rotorua Lakes Council rehomed 26 unclaimed dogs, and euthanised 423.

Community and District Development Group Manager Jean-Paul Gaston says there's been an influx of animals, leading to tough decisions.

A Tauranga City Council spokesperson says they've also had a difficult time adopting out pound dogs.