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.

Three SPCA dogs are learning how to drive in a bid to change public perception on the intelligence of rescue dogs.

Auckland SPCA dogs Monty, Porter and Ginny are learning to drive. Video courtesy of SPCA/Driving Dogs

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.

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.

Parliament provided a clear direction to the judiciary when it unanimously increased penalties for animal cruelty in 2010, writes Catriona MacLennan.

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

A nurse who starved her pets and kept them in filthy conditions has been banned from owning animals for 10 years.

A young huntaway that was seized from its owner after becoming badly malnourished has bounced back in the care of a loving Bay of Plenty family.