SPCA boss bites back at media coverage

RNZSPCA chief executive Ric Odom says animal welfare across New Zealand, and in Wairarapa, is the organisation's "first priority". FILE PHOTO

The SPCA national executive is firmly behind the work of the SPCA Op Shop and says it is grateful for the public's generosity.

In a letter to the Times-Age, Ric Odom, the RNZSPCA chief executive officer, was writing in response to "a recent media article" that suggested the SPCA was more concerned with prosecutions and fundraising than general animal welfare.

"The suggestion could not be further from the truth," he said. "Animal welfare is our first priority."

At present other SPCAs provide help with animal welfare and cruelty cases in Wairarapa on a case-by-case basis, with police, Animal Control and the Ministry of Primary Industries assisting if the SPCA could not respond.

Mr Odom said when it became apparent the Wairarapa SPCA was facing significant financial difficulties, they had no choice but to close it.

Paying creditors, and keeping the SPCA Op Shop open, were priorities, with the op shop receiving money towards the first step - consistent animal welfare inspector coverage for Wairarapa.

"The Wairarapa SPCA had effectively run out of money and had very little income coming in.

"The extent of the financial problem was not signalled early and it was not until the local governing body resigned and asked the national office to take over the governance and management that the full extent of the situation was known."

He said there was no suggestion of inappropriate use of donated funds.

"All funds raised have gone to the running of the centre.

"What we have done is ensure creditors are paid, the op shop remains open, and I have tasked an experienced manager to work with local Wairarapa volunteers to find a sustainable long-term solution."

He said the highest priority is to get an animal welfare inspector back in place.

"Next is to ensure that there is sufficient income to allow the centre at Masterton to re-open."

That would take local funding, he said.

"We know from financial records it was costing the Wairarapa SPCA approximately $20,000 every month to provide the service it did.

"It is likely a reduced level of service could be provided from the centre for less than that."

He said they are receiving "a great deal of support" from the community and were grateful for the help.

"What the animals of Wairarapa really need right now is for the community to get behind the SPCA and help to raise sufficient local funds to run the centre.

"I can say that every dollar raised by the people of Wairarapa will go towards looking after the animals of the region.

"No money is directed to the national office - quite the opposite, the national office is currently providing staff and paying the bills."