Three years ago Taryn Gibbs spotted a stray dog beside the Southwestern Motorway. That was the beginning of the mission to rescue "motorway girl".

Five birds protected under the Wildlife Act have been found shot dead near Little Barrier Island.

Heartbreaking footage shows a mother dolphin trying desperately to save her calf from Japanese hunters who planned to sell the animals to aquariums.

An astonishingly barbaric act of animal cruelty caught on camera has shocked animal advocates worldwide.

MPI is investigating an alleged breach of welfare at the Mid Northern Rodeo near Whangarei.

The owner of a Waikato-based pet food company accused of abusing bobby calves will face trial by jury. Alan Martyn Cleaver, 57

The Duchess of Cambridge has been spotted wearing a hat made of baby alpaca fur. Here's the quirky reason why her choice in head wear is an ethical one.

As rescuers scoured Kaipara Harbour for survivors of fishing charter tragedy, conservationists were performing a rescue operation of their own nearby.

This pair of oystercatchers have set up their nest right in the middle of Mount Maunganui's main surf beach - during the busiest time of the year. Despite being visited by hundreds (maybe even thousands) of holiday-makers, they have hatched two chicks. But they have a long road ahead as they could be trampled by beach-goers or killed by roaming dogs. Source: Kimbirdley

The rare birth of twin giraffes at Auckland Zoo came with a bittersweet blow after one calf had to be put down.

This week, the Herald takes a look at Kiwis who are dedicated to helping our animals. Today Jamie Morton talks to Project Jonah's Daren Glover.

Last year 60,000 animals, including severely abused dogs and kittens with extra toes, made their way through the doors of the SPCA's

A raccoon that was trapped in a drain pipe under a parking lot was rescued after almost 20 hours only to collapse and die the following morning.

A tiny native frog finally has a safe place to call home after a 20-year conservation battle.

Urgent action is needed to stop the cheetah - the world's fastest land animal - sprinting to extinction, experts have warned.

A dog is fighting for its life after being mauled by three hunting dogs on Orewa Beach.

Feeding your dog a festive treat might seem like a kind thing to do during season for giving - but doing so actually puts your loved one's health at risk.

Cheetahs are among an increasing number of protected species being used for animal research in New Zealand.

Kiwi scientists are exploring the emotions of livestock in pioneering research that could improve the way animals are farmed.

Brownie lived a life of abuse and agony. Finally, she was bashed about the head with a claw hammer and the open wounds were left to become maggot-infested, in one of the most severe and disturbing cases the SPCA has seen.

Fewer animals were used in experiments in New Zealand in 2015 but a bigger proportion didn't survive their tests, according to new figures.

A rabbit has been left with puncture wounds after it was shot with arrows five times.

Further proposals to reduce the risk and harm of dog attacks has been given a tentative thumbs up from local animal welfare advocates

Waikato SPCA announced on Friday that it will close its doors.

A complaint against a woman who displayed graphic posters on her fence, including of cats and dogs being burnt alive, has been upheld - for a second time.

This very cute, very tiny penguin has been rescued by tourists.

Kakapo numbers have increased 20 per cent after the most successful breeding season in 25 years.

Pamela De Vere left two dogs to starve in a garage without food or water. It was the second time she had ill-treated animals.

Drops of the controversial pest-control poison 1080 have killed at least two dozen endangered kea in recent years.

Kaikoura's internationally famous "quake cows" are safe and sound and "back in business" today.