Festive season means SPCA close to capacity again

Whangarei SPCA is close to capacity after a festive season influx of animals.

Between December 15 and 30, 169 animals were surrendered to the Whangarei SPCA, compared to 157 in 2013 and 132 in 2012 for the same period.

Of the 169 animals, one was abandoned, 21 were taken to Whangarei SPCA due to an accident or emergency, 86 were lost or stray, and 60 were animals dropped in by owners who were unable to keep them, SPCA centre team leader Andrea Honeybun said.

"I think the owners that have left them here have done so because it's got to Christmas and they can't afford them anymore - it's a stressful time of year."

Most of the owners had tried everything before coming to the SPCA to surrender their pets, she said.

"We do like to be the last resort, but we don't want to see animals being hungry or starved because people can't afford to feed them. We'd rather take them than let them suffer."

She's urging Northland pet owners to take good care of their pets over the holiday season. "For people going away, please make sure you have someone to feed and give water to their pets while they are away."

Thankfully there were no unwanted surrendered pets that had been gifted this Christmas, she said. "People are taking more responsibility for the gifts they are giving."

The busiest day for the centre in the 15 day period was the three day lead-up to Christmas.

As a result of the influx, Whangarei SPCA is close to capacity - predominantly with cats and kittens, but also dogs, puppies, rabbits and chickens.

"We've got a lot in foster which will all come back to the centre in the next two weeks, as they've been coming in quite young."

Summer is always the busiest time of the year for the SPCA due to kitten season, which runs from approximately the beginning of November to the end of April or beginning of May, she said.

However, Ms Honeybun believed the SPCA desexing programme had helped drive down the number of kittens this year.

The centre is still appealing for public donations of tinned kitten and puppy food.

"The amount of food we've received in the two weeks prior to Christmas has been staggering.

"We'd like to thank everyone - it's been great."