SPCA struggling as dog numbers swell

Jason Borich and his daughter Ella with their new dog Buzz who was adopted from the SPCA. Photo / Natalie Slade

The SPCA is considering setting up mobile adoption centres in upmarket suburbs to help deal with an unprecedented number of dumped pets.

Chief executive officer Christine Kalin said that three weeks ago there were more than 120 dogs at Animal Village in Mangere. This number had now grown to 163.

And as well as a growing intake, Ms Kalin said adoptions were decreasing.

"We had 91 groups through last Sunday and 15 adoptions."

The SPCA believes the Mangere location may be a barrier to public awareness and adoption, and is considering "taking the SPCA into the community" with mobile adoption mornings in places like Ponsonby and on the North Shore.

Ms Kalin said the high numbers were a result of difficult economic times but that was no reason for families to give up their dogs.

"We know times are tough but we are asking people to look to other ways to cut costs," she said. "The support and social value [dogs] contribute to a family, I would say it's priceless."

Jason Borich adopted bearded collie-cross Buzz two weeks ago.

He said his family decided to adopt from the SPCA after seeing the article in the Herald and realising how desperate the Animal Village was to find homes for dogs.

"If you can offer a dog that doesn't have much of a chance a home, it's great," he said.

Mr Borich said things were going really well with Buzz, who wakes Mr Borich's daughter Ella, 8, every morning by licking her face.

Mr Borich said he would like to see more people adopting their pets from the SPCA rather than buying them from a pet shop.

Ms Kalin said SPCA Auckland was looking at all options for housing the ever-increasing number of dogs.

"We need financial support to enable us to provide shelter and food and the care dogs need," said Ms Kalin.

"So much of the donor dollar is going to Christchurch."

The SPCA launched its "Dog's Breakfast" campaign last Friday to raise money and keep the dogs fed and watered while they await adoption.