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The Auckland SPCA is issuing inspectors with stab-proof vests to protect them from angry animal owners.
General manager David Lloyd-Barker said he was taking the "purely commonsense" step after cases of assault and threatening behaviour.
While none of his inspectors had been stabbed, some had been pushed. He felt it was a small step to someone picking up a bottle or knife.
"I don't want to go to any funerals," he said.
Lloyd-Barker, who worked for London's Metropolitan police and British special forces, said many of the problem visits were to south Auckland homes with gang links and usually involved dogs.
He said Auckland SPCA's prosecution rate was up 300 per cent year-on-year, meaning inspectors were visiting more potentially hostile sites.
The vests, which are costing $12,000, contain a Kevlar weave.
With the SPCA receiving no Government funding, Lloyd-Barker said the money could be better spent.
The organisation's Auckland arm has eight inspectors and is recruiting one more.
They cover the area between Meremere and Mangawhai Heads, working alone.
The inspectors will receive their stab-proof vests tomorrow.
