His career began in his home suburb of Wainuiomata, advancing to become regional manager of animal control for Hutt City Council and overseeing animal control services for the entire Hutt Valley and Wellington City. He established 35 dog exercise areas in Lower Hutt. Illness prevented him from completing what will be Lower Hutt’s first dedicated dog park. Mayor Campbell Barry said Dalton was an advocate for dog welfare and having a dog park named after him in Wainuiomata, where he lived, was a fitting tribute. “Les Dalton’s dedication, expertise, and his calm and rational approach to animal control was exemplary,” said Barry.