Tiger still waiting for his 'forever home' and family

Tiger, a three-legged male staffy-cross, is still waiting for someone to adopt him after spending seven-months at the Tauranga SPCA shelter.

Tauranga SPCA operations manager Margaret Rawiri said Tiger, who was the longest serving animal in the shelter, had become a firm favourite with staff and volunteers.

"But Tiger deserves the chance to find a new forever home with a loving family," she said.

Mrs Rawiri said Tiger came into the shelter in July last year after being hit by a car. His front leg had to be amputated because of nerve damage which could not be repaired.

Tiger is oldest animal in care at Tauranga SPCA and waiting for adoption. Photo/George Novak

"We have had lots of people view him but unfortunately Tiger has sat and watched other dogs come and go. I think some people may have been put off by the fact that he only has three legs, but Tiger has adjusted really well and he's just as agile as any four-legged dog."

Mrs Rawiri said Tiger was a lovely natured dog and just needed someone who was willing to train and exercise him and give him the care and affection he deserved.

Mrs Rawiri said at least 1700 animals came into the shelter last year, some which were "in a terrible state".

Puppies and kittens had been left at the SPCA's front gate in boxes over the holiday season, and a dog was thrown over the fence just before Christmas, she said.

Mrs Rawiri said demand for Tauranga SPCA's services remained high, and the number of puppies coming into the shelter this summer season was higher than the same time last year.

Mrs Rawiri said if people de-sexed their pets then the SPCA would not be faced with the huge problem and cost of caring for and re-housing so many unwanted animals.