Pets in the dog box as hard times hit owners' pockets

The Auckland SPCA branch is full because people are dumping their pets in difficult economic conditions. Photo / Steven McNicholl

One of Auckland's largest animal shelters is full as the economic pinch forces people to kick out the family dog.

More than 120 dogs are being housed at the SPCA's Mangere kennels, which cannot comfortably fit any more animals.

SPCA spokesman Martin McKenzie believed the number of strays and surrendered dogs being housed was unprecedented - higher than in the depths of the 2007-2008 recession.

Many of the dogs are former SPCA animals which people can no longer afford, but there are also dogs and puppies surrendered for the first time.

Mr McKenzie said the shelter was forced to turn many canines away, unless they were in desperate need of a home.

"It's the worst we've been in some time. We're finding more dogs on the streets, as well as having people coming in who say their circumstances have changed and they simply can't afford to have a dog in the house.

"It is partly poor responsibility, where people have got a dog without thinking it through. But in some cases the owners are just facing an unexpected economic climate."

Dog numbers at the shelter usually spiked around registration time - June 30 - but this year it had packed out by April.

"The problem is, they're not actually going out, either. No one is picking them up," said Mr McKenzie.

Staffi crosses were by far the most commonly abandoned dogs, though the shelter also had large numbers of shar pei crosses and Labrador crosses.

Mr McKenzie said people needed to hold on to their dogs until more space was available. However, the SPCA would not turn away dogs which were in danger or poorly looked after.

"If owners are having a problem, they should talk to us about it. We can't feed every animal in Auckland but we will assist if we can."

In some cases, the shelter offered training for poorly behaved pets or provided temporary support.

The SPCA encouraged desexing dogs to keep breeding under control. All of the dogs available for adoption had been desexed.

RUNNING COSTS
Initial:
Microchipping: $30
Kennel/basket: Up to $50
Collar and leash and identification tag: $50
Desexing: $120-$220
Total: $200-$350

Annual:
Registration: $22-$123
Check-ups/vaccinations: $45
Food: $780
Other expenses (boarding kennels, accidents, fencing, fines): $60-$200
Total: $900-$1200

Source: DSS Animal Management