The idea was barking mad, but that didn't stop three New Zealand rescue dogs from becoming some of the most publicised pooches in the world.

Liz Holdcroft says the 19 years she's spent at the SPCA have been bittersweet - she's loved and cared for many animals.

Monty, Porter and Ginny have already turned heads around the world after video of them driving a modified Mini went viral on the internet. Now the man who spearheaded the training to put the dogs behind the wheel is considering their next challenge.

The Auckland SPCA is being inundated with cats and kittens and is worried it soon may be unable to care for the animals.

New battery hen cages will be banned and existing cages phased out over the next decade under a new welfare code in effect from tomorrow.

Party pills will be tested on animals before they are allowed to be sold because "human safety is ... paramount", Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne says.

The volcanoes of Mordor are erupting right on cue for the Hobbit premiere, but animals have been the problem.

Peter Jackson is said to be enthusiastic about monitoring off-set conditions for animals used in film productions, writes John Drinnan.

A wrangler at the centre of claims animals were mistreated during filming of The Hobbit stands by his allegations, but says he never intended to tarnish the movie.

Sir Peter Jackson says accusations of animal cruelty are distressing to dedicated staff.

An Auckland woman has been convicted of neglecting five horses in her care - one of which died of starvation.

A family cat cut into pieces and a carabiner threaded through the neck of a dog are among the most inhumane treatment of animals on the SPCA's annual list of shame.