Easter sale of strays at SPCA's bulging shelter

These kittens are among the 482 cats the SPCA is looking after this week. Photo / Natalie Slade

The Auckland SPCA has been overrun with cats, dogs and rabbits without a home.

It hopes the Easter weekend and half-price offers will find the animals a place to live. There are 482 cats, 122 dogs, and 39 rabbits in the society's care - too many to fit in its Mangere-based Auckland Animal Village.

About half the cats - 240 of them - are in foster care.

"As soon as an animal goes out, others will be coming in," said chief executive Christine Kalin.

"We're anticipating Easter will be busy and we're putting extra staff on."

The SPCA will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, however.

"Our absolute dream would be to have an empty village. It has been done before, so we hope people think generously and warmly of the SPCA, and if they have room in their homes for an extra loved one, come on and let [an animal] steal their heart."

Animal services manager Tracy Dunn said adopted animals come vet-checked, desexed, micro-chipped, wormed, treated for fleas, and had had initial vaccinations.

The half-price sale runs until April 22.

"It's the most cost-effective way of getting a pet," she said. "If you got a kitten or puppy from a friend you would still have to pay for all these costs after you bring your pet home."