SPCA won't close, despite financial struggles

Times are tough for the SPCA - but the animal welfare organisation won't be closing its doors any time soon, according to the society's national president.

Shelters around the country have been inundated with animals in recent months, with many unable to house anymore abandoned animals.

On top of this, fewer people are adopting animals and donations are down due to the recession.

But the SPCA's national president Bob Kerridge is "absolutely" confident the organisation can weather the storm.

"Finances are always tight when you rely on donations and legacies," Mr Kerridge said. "It is not an unusual situation for the society to be in.

"I'm not going to say it is not a concern - it is always a concern.

"It is fair to say like all charities we are finding the charity dollar harder to get and we're tightening our belt like other people are but we're are going to be here for another 128 years - it is not likely to change this year."

He said the SPCA had seen an increase in abandoned dogs in particular, as they cost a more to keep than other pets.

"It is a bit sad, of course, because animals can be a great comfort to families in times of need because they don't care how rich and poor you are - they're there to help and there to love you," he said. "It is sad that they have to part with their companion in tough times. But sometimes these decisions have to be made."

Mr Kerridge said adoptions were down around the country as well.
"That's the other downside because again it is a commitment that people have to be very aware of and of course it can be a costly commitment.

"If they are considering getting a dog and times are tough then obviously they think twice about doing it. Particularly bigger dogs - they're the ones I guess suffer the most."

The SPCA does offer owners pet budgeting advice and sometimes assists with food for pets, Mr Kerridge said.

"But of course we can't obviously feed every dog in the city that is hard up or has a family that is struggling.

"We certainly do our best."