Justice for kittens deserted in Waikanae

A Waikanae man was convicted on a charge of deserting an animal with no provision for its needs at Porirua District Court last week.

Martin Close, 28, who pleaded guilty to a charge of deserting kittens in Huia St, Waikanae, was disqualified from owning or exercising authority in respect of any cats or kittens for five years.

In addition, he was sentenced to 80-hours community work, with reparation of $614.52 and $100 towards the SPCA's legal expenses.

In a case that began on Tuesday, May 31 this year, Wellington SPCA was alerted to four kittens found dumped just 300 metres away from its Waikanae Centre.

The kittens, around six weeks old at the time and unable to fend for themselves, were found in scrub near a paddock, metres from an Electrolux vacuum cleaner box containing towels covered in kitten faeces.

Upon arrival at the SPCA, they were notably hungry and treated and cared for by the team of veterinarians, animal care staff and volunteers.

An investigation was undertaken by Wellington SPCA senior animal welfare inspector Peter McCallum, who was able to track down and speak with Mr Close.

During questioning, Mr Close admitted to deserting the four kittens.

"Given their young age and the fact it was mid-winter, the outcome could've been considerably worse if they hadn't been fortunate enough to be found by a member of the public and the SPCA alerted," Mr McCallum said.

"In this instance the young kittens could've easily been taken to the nearby SPCA, where we'll never refuse to accept sick, injured or vulnerable animals in need of assistance."

He said each year Wellington SPCA helped around 5,000 animals and the case highlighted the need for people to desex their animals to avoid unwanted litters.

"The desertion of vulnerable animals is far from uncommon, yet SPCA inspectors often find it difficult to obtain sufficient evidence to locate the offender and conduct a successful prosecution."

This year Wellington SPCA had conducted several desertion investigations.

Wellington SPCA CEO and former inspector Steve Glassey was pleased to see the hard work of the inspectorate and support of prosecution lawyer Elizabeth Hall, resulting in a conviction.

"This week, Wellington SPCA is leading change in animal welfare investigations with the hosting of the first inspectorate surveillance course, to enable experienced inspectors to undertake covert intelligence collection and aid in resolving these difficult cases," Mr Glassey said.

"With increased expertise in this field, we hope to bring more offenders to justice."

The four kittens were given veterinary treatment and cared for by Wellington SPCA and have all found new homes.

- To make a donation to Wellington SPCA to help animals in need visit www.wellingtonspca.org.nz.