Haven for ditched pets

Cheyanne Duke and her son Jake with some of the animals she has rescued. Photo / John Stone

A Northland mother who has re-homed dozens of neglected animals over the years now plans to open up a rescue centre to be manned by volunteers.

Cheyanne Duke of Kawakawa moved up north from Auckland with her family three years ago and discovered a lot of dumped, abused and neglected animals.

She took in more than 60 cats and dogs in the first three years and re-homed them.

"I can see a lot of the trouble is low income families not de-sexing their pets. Also we don't have the facilities to educate in remote parts of Northland and also a rental crisis where people are often leaving their pets behind in order so secure a home which doesn't allow pets," she said.

Ms Duke said a lot of animals she re-homed came with issues and would have been put down if they had gone to the pound.

She found her dog Darla emaciated in the middle of "no man's land" and her son Jake found their cat Onyx with an infected injury and on the brink of death.

"I had no intention of opening up a rescue centre as this was just a hobby of mine, but after people knew who I was and what I did for the animals they started to come in quick and I can't say no to a helpless animal."

Most of the neglected animals were kittens and pups.

She has started a campaign called Last Chance ResQ and is looking for sponsors and food donors to help with animal care.

"It is so rewarding to see these cats who were full of worms and sick with cat flu afraid for their life struggling to survive to be buzzing around the house purring and playing, Ms Duke said.

"I have a fairly clear vision for the rescue and that is to open up a rescue/orphanage centre where volunteers can come and sleep the night to mind the cats and dogs and training and rehabilitation would be on site. I feel the situation is only going to get worse before it gets better and ultimately I would love to spread awareness that a cat and dog are forever not just a christmas present."

-Donations can be made to ASB account 12-3085-0465037-50 or via the Last Chance ResQ facebook page.