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Almost all of the 12 animals that have featured in the Herald's SPCA "Adopt Me" summer series have found homes - a result that has delighted the organisation.
From Portia, the sweet, short-hair tabby, to Prudence, the high-energy English pointer, Kiwis have opened their hearts and homes to animals desperately in need of a loving home.
Auckland SPCA chief executive officer Bob Kerridge said he was delighted with the results.
"That so many of our animals in need found new and loving homes is a wonderful start to the new year for them and for us. Our heartfelt thanks goes to everyone involved in making that happen," he said.
Auckland SPCA general manager David Lloyd-Barker said there was always an increase in abandoned animals during holiday periods, and this Christmas/New Year period was no different.
He said there had also been an increase in the number of pet owners "surrendering" their animals to the SPCA.
"Then all of a sudden two weeks later when their owners come back [from holiday] all nicely tanned and relaxed, we find that they've changed their mind suddenly and expect to get their animals back. Once they've surrendered them, they've surrendered them and we re-home them where possible. People seem to think we are a free boarding service."
He said the most common type of abandoned animal this holiday season had been kittens.