KEY POINTS:
A special deal of half-price puppies and dogs resulted in the Auckland SPCA arranging 25 pet adoptions over the weekend.
"The Adoptathon has created much more interest, which is great because we were jam-packed with puppies and dogs at the village," said dog adoption counsellor Emma Ginsberg. "We have been matching people with the right dogs and they are taking them home."
Usually, SPCA fees are $250 for a puppy and $230 for an adult dog. But at the weekend this was reduced to $115 and $135 respectively. This included first year's registration, micro-chipping, desexing, vaccinations, worming and a vet check.
Puppies Bentley and Jack and adult dog Kara were readied for adoption but were last night still available.
Chief executive Bob Kerridge said the special deal was an attempt to relieve the village of an influx of 27 puppies and 17 adults.
"It is the season ... Registration is falling due and some people cannot be bothered with that so they are surrendering dogs. And it's winter and dogs need to be inside and they have muddy paws and it's a nuisance."
Mr Kerridge said the councils had helped the SPCA with registration.
Council registration charges for a desexed dog paid within the discount period are North Shore $70 (approved owner $60), Manukau $90 ($45), Auckland $67 ($42) and Waitakere $110 ($80).
Manukau City is offering an amnesty to dog owners who give up unwanted pets between today and July 27. The council's contractor, DSS Animal Management, will try to find suitable dogs new homes but some may be put down.
Councillor Noel Burnside said some dogs might be dangerous or not be registered or known to the council but there would not be any repercussions for the owner.
He said people who could not afford the registration fee had the opportunity to give up the dog.
If they did not pay the registration they risked a late fee of $120 and a $300 fine. Mr Burnside said the council's strict line on unregistered dogs had helped reduce dog-attack complaints from 514 to 257 in five years.
