Strays looking for some Christmas love

The SPCA in Auckland has 450 animals a week arriving on its doorstep. Picture / Brett Phibbs

On the first day of Christmas the SPCA received: 75 cats and kittens, 15 rabbits, 13 dogs and puppies, and eight birds.

The total of 111 animals is a high toll on the organisation, which is gearing up for its busiest time over the next two months.

Rachel Green, shelter manager at the Auckland SPCA branch, said it was frustrating for staff when people dumped animals because they were going on holiday or could not be bothered any more.

One man brought in 14 rabbits on December 1.

"He said he didn't want them because they multiply," said Ms Green.

"He could have just bought one, or two of the same sex, or got them desexed before it became a problem. It's not rocket science."

In the weeks around Christmas, the Auckland SPCA averages about 450 animals arriving a week - double the rest of the year.

Ms Green said it was good that people were not simply dumping the animals, but some cases were irritating and others upsetting.

"We get kittens with cat-flu or conjunctivitis so bad their eyes are glued shut, or worse, their eyes have prolapsed," she said.

The good news is about 50 per cent of the pets are happily re-homed. Others are sent to foster homes. Only a small number are destroyed, and then only for severe sickness or behavioural problems.