Media Releases
Summary
SPCA Auckland seeks witnesses to abused dog dumping
SPCA Auckland is calling for members of the public to help identify the person who dumped a severely emaciated dog in Manurewa on Friday 27 January.
The dog was dumped in a cardboard box at the end of a driveway in Alfriston Road, Manurewa last Friday. The owner of the property called the SPCA Auckland 24-hour animal rescue hotline at 2pm that day and SPCA Inspector Andre Williams attended the property immediately.
The property owner had taken the dog and wrapped it in blankets, as the dog was in a terrible condition, cold and shivering, emaciated and very weak, says Williams.
“The dog was in such a severe state that it couldn’t stand, its bones were showing through the skin, its claws were seriously overgrown, and it was generally in a terrible state.”
SPCA Chief Executive Officer, Christine Kalin says the case is an absolutely disgusting example of animal cruelty and neglect.
“This level of abuse cannot go unpunished. Our inspectors are investigating the case to try and bring those responsible to justice. We are determined to find those responsible for this despicable act of animal cruelty and abuse.”
SPCA Auckland is now appealing for any witnesses who may have seen someone dumping the box in the vicinity of Alfriston Road in Manurewa to call SPCA Auckland on 09 256 7300.
The cardboard box has been sent away for forensic testing and SPCA Auckland hopes some fingerprints or other evidence can be obtained from it.
SPCA Auckland is empowered under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 to protect all animals from abuse, neglect, and abandonment, and to prosecute people who break this law. To report such cases, please phone 09 256 7300.
For more information, please contact:
Christine Kalin
CEO SPCA Auckland
P: 09 256 2528
M: 0274 201 598
E: christine.kalin@spca.org.nz
Justice for Cassie the miracle dog
A Great Barrier Island man pleaded guilty yesterday in the Auckland District Court for neglecting two dogs to such a degree that the SPCA Auckland Inspector who found them estimates the dogs were just days from death.
One of the dogs – now named ‘Cassie’ – has made a miracle recovery and is about to be put up for adoption by SPCA Auckland. The other dog was sadly too damaged to recover and eventually had to be put down.
Ricky Hauraki Llewellyn Griffiths, 28, builder, pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to provide proper and sufficient food to the two dogs. Judge Frazer sentenced him to eight years of disqualification from owning dogs, reparations of $1876.36, and 100 hours of community work.
SPCA Auckland Chief Inspector Vicki Border says it’s a pretty good result – particularly the eight-year dog-owning ban – but the dogs have already paid a far higher price.
“The state of the dogs when they were rescued by SPCA Auckland was horrific – one of the worst cases of neglect I have seen in all my years as an inspector,” says Border.
“One of the dogs, who we have called ‘Cassie’, has made a wonderful recovery over the last few months and is about to be put up for adoption late next week.”
The story began in mid-October 2011 when two emaciated dogs were discovered on Great Barrier Island following a tip-off from the public. Both dogs were found in the bush, chained to dilapidated kennels and surrounded by faeces. Border estimates the dogs had been without food for weeks and were just days from death.
“Someone had just tied them up and left them to die,” she says. “They were immediately removed to the SPCA Auckland Animal Village for emergency medical treatment.”
It was touch and go for the first few days. Often in cases this serious the animals don’t survive because too much damage has already been done. One of the dogs didn’t make it, but Cassie did.
“After just 21 days in SPCA Auckland care, Cassie was like a different dog,” says Border. “She is now well on her way to being the happy and healthy dog she deserves to be. We’re putting her up for adoption late next week and we’re confident she’ll find a loving forever home.
People interested in adopting Cassie must fill out an SPCA Auckland dog adoption form, which can be downloaded by clicking here. Although Cassie will not be available for general public viewing at the SPCA Auckland Animal Village, people who want to adopt her can fill out the form and a viewing can then be arranged.
Cassie is a very laid back, two-year-old, pointer-cross dog who loves people and is good with kids.
“I would describe her as extremely affectionate and trusting, which is amazing considering what she’s been through,” says Border.
“She loves being with people – wherever you are, she’ll be happy to be there too. She will be good in a family situation and clearly has lived with kids before, so all ages of kids would be OK. Because she’s a young, relatively big dog, she’ll need a decent walk every day. If you’ve already got dogs, that’s OK – she’s great with other dogs, big and small.”
For more information, please contact:
Christine Kalin
CEO SPCA Auckland
P: 09 256 2528
M: 0274 201 598
E: christine.kalin@spca.org.nz
Adopted dog finds new owners 6 km away in the dark
Initially Jane didn’t want to adopt Ollie, a four-year-old golden retriever with what she describes as ‘issues’. But in August 2011, her husband met the dog at SPCA Auckland while visiting on business and asked Jane to welcome Ollie into their home.
“We already had Simba, our 12-year-old labrador, and I didn’t want him to get pushed to the side,” says Jane. “But my husband reckoned we ‘needed’ Ollie and I got out-voted by the rest of the family.”
It took Ollie a while to trust his new family but now that he does, he doesn’t like being separated from them – a fact that was emphatically illustrated in January this year when Jane and her husband were at a party in Te Puru Heights, Auckland.
“All was good. Men were in the ‘man cave’ and girls were sinking bubbles,” says Jane.
“But about 11pm Ollie turned up in the garden muddy and panting. He has never been to the street, let alone to the house before. My husband and I accused each other of playing a trick. But no – Ollie had broken out of our house, navigated the six kilometres from Beachlands to Te Puru Heights, to a house that he had never seen, and found us.
“I think we can officially say he’s part of the family now.”
It’s a stunning example of how an animal with a chequered past can learn to trust and love the people who adopt them, says SPCA Auckland CEO Christine Kalin.
“Animals are capable of forming special bonds with humans – even if they haven’t had the best start in life,” says Christine. “Jane and her family have done a wonderful job of welcoming Ollie into their lives and Ollie’s really made himself one of the family. He’s an excellent ambassador for the SPCA adoption service.”
Jane says Ollie still has a few issues – he is afraid of big trucks, men in high-visibility vests, and fireworks – but she’s extremely happy with him.
“When we first had him he wouldn’t make eye contact and rarely wagged his tail. Now he knows we’re his ‘pack’ he feels safe. Dogs need to know that someone is in charge and he’s got that now. It means he can relax and ‘be himself’.
“The other day we were out walking and we could see some people having a barbeque. There was lots of smoke and, when we got about 100 metres away, Ollie stopped and would not budge. I persuaded him to walk on but two steps later he sat down again. He looked from me to the smoke as if to say: ‘Mum, there’s danger, let’s not go there.’
“I love my dog.”
For more information, please contact:
Christine Kalin
CEO SPCA Auckland
P: 09 256 2528
M: 0274 201 598
E: christine.kalin@spca.org.nz
Slap with a wet bus ticket for severe neglect case
SPCA Auckland Executive Director Bob Kerridge is bitterly disappointed that a Glendene man who severely neglected his boxer dog has not been fined or made to do community service.
Junior York, 27, pleaded guilty to “failing to provide … proper and sufficient food” for his dog and was sentenced by Judge Ryan in the Waitakere District Court on 16 February to two years disqualification from owning dogs and reparations of $491.12.
“Considering the serious neglect involved in this case, I am shocked and disappointed that the judge did not hand down a more severe penalty,” says Kerridge. “I would have at least expected a longer period of disqualification at least. This is tantamount to a slap with a wet bus ticket.
“With the recent increases in penalties under the Animal Welfare Act, I was hoping that judges might begin to hand down sentences to match some of the horrendous crimes inflicted on innocent animals, but this insipid judgment for this badly neglected dog does little to inspire confidence that this will occur.”
The dog in question – a black, female, crossbred boxer – was discovered on 13 July 2011 at a Harmel Road property in Geldene by an SPCA Inspector acting on a tip-off from the public.
The Inspector found the dog inside a garage surrounded by faeces. It was very thin, bleeding from its ears, with conjunctivitis in both eyes, and old pressure sores on its rump. The Inspector took the dog to SPCA Auckland where a veterinarian examined it. The dog weighed only 16.5kg – whereas a dog of this size should weigh between 26kg and 28kg. The claws on all four feet were overgrown indicating a lack of exercise.
“When questioned in regards to the body condition and the disgusting living conditions, the owner said that he fed the dog scraps every second day and didn’t have time to clean out the garage,” says Kerridge.
“This is not a person who should be allowed to own any kind of animal – and yet in two years he’ll be able to keep animals again.”
The dog was treated for the conjunctivitis and sores at SPCA Aucland, and was put on a special diet to help her gain weight and recover.
“The court has now ordered the forfeiture of the dog to the care of SPCA Auckland. The Society is hopeful that in time when a full recovery is made the dog will be able to be adopted to a loving and responsible home,” says Kerridge.
For more information, please contact:
Bob Kerridge
Executive Director SPCA Auckland
P: 09 256 7300
M: 0274 959 449
E: Bob.Kerridge@spca.org.nz
Doggone Shame - Why costs may spoil the joys of having a dog in the family
Over the last few weeks Aucklanders have been pondering on the complexities of owning a dog, brought about as a result of the Auckland Council who have invited public submissions on their proposed policies and bylaws for dogs.
I have it on very good authority that responses are flooding in from all directions, not only because dog issues occupy a large percentage of Council’s time all the time, or because it is on its own a very volatile subject, but more so because whatever Councils in their infinite wisdom decide to impose by way of regulations can have a serious effect on the enjoyment of having a dog as one of the family.
In this round of submissions there is one merciful improvement in that there will be consistency throughout the entire Auckland region , unlike the somewhat shambolic variances that ensued when there were seven Councils to contend with. It is however still an enigma that there is not one national regulatory standard for dogs and that Local Authorities are still empowered to tinker with their own local bylaws, often with far reaching results.
Of the 700,000 dogs residing in New Zealand, 71% live in urban areas, so it is fair to suggest that Auckland has their fair share of them. Accordingly the need to ‘get it right’ sits firmly on the shoulders of the city’s law-makers, and Auckland dog owners will undoubtedly have their views on the subject.
Getting it right means catering to the welfare of the dogs, ensuring the responsibilities of dog ownership are understood and practised, and respecting the autonomy of those who do not wish to interact with dogs. That’s one large diplomatic headache.
Cutting to the bare essentials the ‘leash law’ is the one that caters to all, with dogs required to be on a leash at all times in public places. This guarantees absolute control with any public nuisance element eliminated, and a happy dog in contact with its ‘pack leader’. Off leash areas in some open spaces provide for times of freedom, although essentially these areas should be completely contained to avoid contact with the general public. Additionally the compulsory picking up of droppings eliminates a most offensive public nuisance.
However, lurking behind the question of appropriate bylaws is a sinister plan that will impact dramatically on dog owners, a plan the Auckland Council hoped would not surface at this time. It lies in wait in the Council’s Long Term Plan, volume 3, on page 144, and it was approved by them earlier this month. It involves the raising of dog registration fees by up to 160%.
It is proposed in this dastardly plan that a de-sexed dog will cost $ 120 annually (up from $ 47 for those with a good owner licence, and from $ 75 for those without), and an additional $ 50 if you don’t pay on time. Apart from the sheer cost, the lack of recognition for good dog owners represents an abysmal lack of common sense which will, quite rightly, incense the most responsible of our citizens, all of whom will want to know what they get from this additional money they are being asked to spend.
According to the Council dog control services in Auckland cost $ 12.1 million annually, including the operation of pounds (incarcerating unfortunate dogs rather than their wayward owners), fieldwork and enforcement/prosecutions, education and the cost to gather registration fees. They claim an annual budget deficit of around $ 5 million to justify the increased fees.
So before dog owners come baying for their blood, as they surely will, and justifiably so, perhaps the Council needs to seriously reassess their expenses, consider whether dog control is a community issue rather than a burden to be placed solely on the shoulders of dog owners, and how they may acknowledge, rather than punish, the faithful dogs who reside amongst us.
For more information, please contact:
Bob Kerridge
Executive Director SPCA Auckland
P: 09 256 7300
M: 0274 959 449
E: Bob.Kerridge@spca.org.nz
Justice catches up with people who neglect their dogs
Two men were handed stiff penalties for neglecting dogs in their care this week in two different Auckland courts but the message was the same: if you fail to look after your pets SPCA Auckland will prosecute you – and win.
In the Waitakere District Court on 8 March 2012 Harley Love, 21, Glen Eden, entered a plea of guilty to a charge of keeping an “animal alive when it is in such a condition that it is suffering unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress”.
Love’s court appearance resulted from events in January 2011. At that time an SPCA Auckland Inspector, acting on a tip-off, visited a Glen Eden property and discovered a 17-year-old German Shepherd type dog collapsed on the back deck. The dog, named “Troy”, was in very thin body condition and covered in patches of live fleas and maggots. Troy was extremely lethargic and was lying in his own excrement.
“The owner told the Inspector that Troy hadn’t walked for a week or eaten for three days,” says SPCA CEO Christine Kalin. “Unsurprisingly, the Inspector expressed his disgust that the dog had been left in this condition.”
The Inspector loaded the dog into his vehicle while the owner signed a surrender form giving ownership of the dog to the Auckland SPCA. When the Inspector returned to the vehicle he checked on the dog to find that he had died.
A veterinary pathologist found that the dog was also suffering from chronic heart disease, arthritis, dehydration, lung and liver congestion, and pressure sores. The pathologist commented that the dog would have been in pain from the above conditions.
In court Judge Sinclair sentenced Love to 150 hours community work, disqualified him from owning an animal for a period of ten years, and ordered him to pay reparations of $822.48.
“The period of disqualification the judge ordered in this case is a pleasing result that sends a clear message to people who fail to care for their dogs,” says Kalin. “No animal deserves to suffer like Troy did. We feel justice has been served in this case.”
Meanwhile, more than four years after neglecting two dogs in his care, Mangere man Marely Tosala, 24, has finally been brought to justice.
He entered a plea of guilty on 7 March 2012 in the Manukau District Court to a charge of failing to provide two dogs “with proper and sufficient food and water” and “failing to ensure the animals received treatment that alleviated any unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress”.
But the story began in August 2007 when an SPCA Auckland Inspector visited a property in Vickers Crescent, Mangere and found a female, pit bull type dog chained to a kennel.
The dog was very thin with ribs, spine, and hip bones clearly visible, and had patches of hair loss and scabs over most of her body. Her nails were long and there was discharge around both of her eyes. The owner was not home. The dog was removed and taken for veterinary attention.
On a follow-up visit a few days later, another dog was discovered – a male pit bull type dog this time and in much the same condition as the female. Again, the owner was not home and the male dog was removed and taken for veterinary attention.
The veterinarian found both dogs weighed only 18.5kg when removed and had severe skin infections. The veterinarian concluded that any lay person would have realised both dogs were underweight and had a severe skin problem that needed veterinary attention.
In court Judge Moses sentenced Tosala to 100 hours community work, reparations of $3500 (payable at $20 per week), and disqualified him from owning dogs for a period of three years.
Judge Moses said in his closing that “it was clear to me that these dogs were in very poor condition and you failed to give them adequate care and attention. The law takes these matters very seriously.”
In both these cases, the level of neglect shows a callous disregard for the suffering of the animals involved, says Kalin.
“We want people out there with dogs and other animals in their care to think very hard about their responsibilities,” she says.
“The bottom line is: we are watching. If you fail to provide your animals with basic care like food, water, shelter, and adequate vet care, we will prosecute you. And we will win.”
For more information, please contact: Christine Kalin, CEO SPCA Auckland,
P: 09 256 2528
M: 0274 201 598
E: christine.kalin@spca.org.nz
Cut-price adoptions – 50% off for 3 weeks
SPCA Auckland is overflowing with animals so the organisation is cutting the cost of adopting a pet for life by a whopping 50% for 3 weeks from 2 to 22 April.
“We’ve simply run out of room for any more incoming animals. So it’s time to do everything we can to encourage prospective pet owners to adopt from the SPCA,” says Tracy Dunn, Animal Services Manager.
“If you’re looking for a pet, please consider rescuing an animal in need and giving them a home for life.” The numbers of animals on the SPCA Auckland books right now are staggering, including 482 cats, 123 dogs, and 39 rabbits. Only a small percentage of these animals can be offered for adoption at any one time because there is only so much room in the SPCA Auckland adoption areas. The rest are fostered out to volunteers or await their turn in the holding areas.
“We’re at crisis point because we must be able to continue to rescue animals in need but we’ve nowhere to put them,” says Tracy. “We really need the public to help us out.”
When people adopt from the SPCA, they not only rescue an animal in need, but they also get a ‘ready-made pet’ that has been vet checked, de-sexed, micro-chipped, wormed, flead and had initial vaccinations.
“This means you get an awesome deal as these costs are already covered by the SPCA. It’s the most cost-effective way of getting a pet. If you got a kitten or puppy from a friend you would still have to pay for all these costs after you bring your pet home. And the money you pay us goes directly to saving other animals in need,” says Tracy.
“The school holidays are an excellent time to adopt an animal for your children because it gives them and the animal a chance to settle in before the new term starts.”
If you’re not able to adopt an animal but would still like to help out, then SPCA Auckland is also desperate for people to foster cats or kittens.
Animals available for adoption can be viewed at the SPCA Auckland Animal Village, 50 Westney Rd, Mangere between 10.00am and 4.00pm every day, or visit www.spca.org.nz/adoption/default.asp. Please note: SPCA Auckland will be CLOSED Easter Friday and Easter Sunday.
For more information, please contact: Christine Kalin, CEO SPCA Auckland,
P: 09 256 2528
M: 0274 201 598
E: christine.kalin@spca.org.nz
508 animals re-homed during 50%-off campaign
SPCA Auckland’s half-price ‘Rescue Me’ animal adoptions campaign has paid off handsomely with a whopping total of 508 animals finding new homes.
The charity was at crisis point in early April – completely overrun with animals and potentially unable to provide shelter for further animals in need.
“So we offered people the chance to adopt a pet for life at half price for three weeks from 2 to 22 April, and I’m thrilled to say it was a huge success,” says SPCA Auckland CEO Christine Kalin.
“So we want to say ‘thank you’ to all the wonderful people who responded to the call and adopted an animal. Due to their kindness and generosity we now have the capacity to respond to animals who need shelter, treatment, love, and care, while they get ready for their new home for life.”
The 508 animals adopted included 229 kittens, 167 cats, 36 rabbits, 34 dogs, and 29 puppies, plus chickens, pigeons, guinea pigs, and a goat.
<>“We have had some wonderful stories back from families that have adopted an animal and are absolutely delighted with their new family member,” says Kalin. “The fact is, animals that are treated with love, care and respect always return far more than they demand.”
Kalin says when people adopt from the SPCA, they not only rescue an animal in need, but they also get a ‘ready-made pet’ that has been vet checked, de-sexed, micro-chipped, wormed, treated for fleas, and has had initial vaccinations.
“We will continue to have a steady stream of animals ready at the village for adoption. So please, if you have room in your family for one more, come out to the SPCA Auckland Animal Village in Mangere and let one of our animals steal your heart.”
Tortoise-shell cat ‘Pepper’ was adopted during the first week of the campaign and has instantly fitted in with her new family. Her new owner describes her as energetic, playful, talkative, and curious, like “three kgs of pure dynamite on four legs”.
“She is a little sweetie, entertaining as well as lovable, and she has firmly wriggled into our lives and our hearts,” says Pepper’s new owner.
For more information, please contact: Christine Kalin, CEO SPCA Auckland,
P: 09 256 2528
M: 0274 201 598
E: christine.kalin@spca.org.nz
Justice for 32 brutally slain Wellsford dogs
On 25 January 2010 Russell Douglas Mendoza and Tony Allen Campbell entered a Port Albert property and shot and killed 10 adult dogs and 22 puppies.
Both men were found guilty today in the Auckland District Court of reckless use of a firearm and four charges each of wilfully ill-treating an animal. The men will be sentenced on 17 July.
The guilty verdicts vindicate the fervour with which SPCA Auckland and the Crown have prosecuted the case, according to Bob Kerridge, Executive Director of SPCA Auckland.
“The precise details of the case have now been thoroughly tested in court. What has been proven beyond doubt is that many of the dogs involved suffered terribly prior to their deaths,” says Mr Kerridge.
“At SPCA Auckland it’s our job to protect animals from unnecessary suffering and distress. What happened in Wellsford on that day wasn’t carefully controlled euthanasia – it was a reckless mass slaughter of a large number of innocent animals.
“Make no mistake, this was a clear breach of the Animal Welfare Act and the Crown firearms expert has reinforced the recklessness with which the offenders acted. The case has sickened everyone involved, but we have had been spurred on by the unprecedented public support to bring these offenders to justice.”
Although the Crown has prosecuted the case in court, SPCA Auckland was immersed in the case from the beginning, attending the scene, gathering evidence, conducting autopsies on the dogs, determining the pain and suffering incurred, and contributing to the Crown case.
“Our inspectors were on the ground in the immediate aftermath of the killings. They witnessed the extent of slaughter and undertook the terrible task of cataloguing and removing the bodies, one by one,” says Mr Kerridge.
“The trauma they experienced was immense. Both inspectors were reduced to tears at the media conference describing what they had witnessed. As an organisation we offer them our heartfelt thanks for their courage and dedication in the face of this horrific incident.
“We hope that these guilty verdicts will serve as a warning to others who inflict pain and suffering on innocent animals that such behaviour will not be condoned and will not go unpunished. As a society we owe it to the animals in our care to ensure this kind of wanton destruction and cruelty is never allowed to happen again.”
SPCA Auckland appeals to everyone who seeks justice for all animals to contribute to supporting our inspectors in the field by donating to our Justice Fund at www.spca.org.nz/justice
For more information, please contact:
Bob Kerridge
Executive Director SPCA Auckland
P: 09 256 7300
M: 0274 959 449
E: Bob.Kerridge@spca.org.nz
Miracle recovery dog desperate for new home
A female, crossbred boxer dog named Coecoe has made a miracle recovery from a hellish early life of neglect – but after 10 months in the care of SPCA Auckland, she still hasn’t found her new forever home.
Coecoe was discovered by SPCA Inspector Lori Davis on 13 July 2011 in a garage in Glendene. She was very skinny, surrounded by faeces, bleeding from the ears, with conjunctivitis in both eyes. The claws on all four feet were overgrown indicating a complete lack of exercise. At the time, Coecoe weighed only 16.5 kg.
“Basically, Coecoe’s owner, Mr Junior York, had just locked her up, ignored her, and starved her,” says SPCA Auckland Executive Director Bob Kerridge.
“We took Mr York to court in February this year and got a conviction. However, the judge only sentenced him to two years disqualification from owning dogs and fined him $491.12 – which we described at the time as a slap with a wet bus ticket.”
Fast-forward to today and Coecoe has made a miraculous recovery from her horrific ordeal to become a truly desirable family pet.
“Sometimes severely neglected animals don’t come right despite SPCA Auckland’s best efforts – but that’s not the case with Coecoe,” says Mr Kerridge.
“We’re delighted to report that she has responded magnificently to the tender loving care of our inspectors, dog attendants, vets, and foster families. She has gained weight and condition rapidly. With lots of patience she has changed from a frightened animal back into who she truly is – a very social dog who loves being around people.
“She is suited to living with older children as she can be quite strong-willed. She would also live happily with a bossy, confident cat. If any loving family is looking for a pet for life, I would heartily recommend Coecoe – a truly miraculous animal who deserves the very best of loving homes.”
Lori Davis, the SPCA Auckland Inspector who first found Coecoe, says watching her gain trust in the staff at Auckland SPCA has been incredibly rewarding.
“When I first met Coecoe she was so skinny I could see every bone in her body. I will never forget that day and the condition she was in ¬– but I’m thrilled with her progress since then. She has completely turned things around and is now a fantastic dog ready to find a new forever home. I truly hope she finds the loving family she deserves – and soon!”
For more information, please contact:
Bob Kerridge
Executive Director SPCA Auckland
P: 09 256 7300
M: 0274 959 449
E: Bob.Kerridge@spca.org.nz
Bunnies – the ideal indoor pet for winter
Rabbits are cuddly, cute, and better suited to happily living indoors during winter than most people may be aware, says SPCA Auckland.
“You can adopt one of our rabbits and ‘rabbit proof’ your home pretty easily so your new pet can live entirely indoors until the weather improves,” says SPCA Auckland CEO Christine Kalin.
“Even an apartment can be ideal – so long as your rabbit can’t fall off your balcony.
“To prepare your home for your rabbit, simply remove chewable items – especially electrical cords – from their reach and set aside a caged area in a tiled room as their ‘base camp’.
“Once settled, a rabbit will often join you on the sofa and hang out with you pretty much like a cat – providing an incredibly soft, warm, and cuddly companion during the cold winter months.”
Bunnies thrive on love and attention so they really enjoy being indoors and ‘part of the family’. If you’re often out at work, you can still become a rabbit owner by picking up a de-sexed pair from SPCA Auckland so they can keep each other company while you aren’t there.
“They provide hours of entertainment for the whole family because they’re intelligent and easy to train,” says Christine Kalin. “For instance, you can set up a confidence course inside their pen and train them to run through tunnels and jump hurdles.”
The line-up of rabbits currently available for adoption at SPCA Auckland can be viewed here: http://www.spca.org.nz/adoption/animals.asp?catID=4
For more information, please contact: Christine Kalin, CEO SPCA Auckland,
P: 09 256 2528
M: 0274 201 598
E: christine.kalin@spca.org.nz
Justice for slaughtered Wellsford dogs?
Russell Douglas Mendoza and Tony Allen Campbell were sentenced today in the Auckland District Court for the 2010 killings of 10 adult dogs and 22 puppies in Port Albert, Auckland.
Mendoza and Campbell were each sentenced to six months home detention and 300 hours community service at their nearest SPCA branch. The men will also be required to pay half of the reparations sought.
SPCA Auckland says the sentencing brings to a close to an appalling event that must never be allowed to happen again, according to Executive Director Bob Kerridge.
“This is a case involving the brutal and bloodthirsty massacre of innocent animals for which there can be no absolution,” says Mr Kerridge.
“The public were horrified at the cruelty of these killings and demanded that those involved should be charged for their callous actions, and indeed the SPCA did not hesitate in laying the appropriate charges.
“I have never before witnessed the level of trauma experienced by our SPCA inspectors in having to deal with a situation of this magnitude. I am proud of them.
Mr Kerridge regrets that an increase in the maximum term of imprisonment for wilful ill treatment of an animal was introduced to the Animal Welfare too late to apply to the Wellsford pair.
“The only questions now are: ‘Has justice been served?’ ‘Is the sentence stiff enough to deter other would-be offenders?’
“It’s unfortunate that the offence took place before increased penalties were introduced into the Animal Welfare Act. This fact may have played into the Judge’s decision to impose lighter sentences than the law now permits.
“It is fair to say that the SPCA is disappointed with these sentences as we believe the severity of the offences undoubtedly warranted a prison term.
“In her summing up the Judge indicated that sentencing in such matters should act as a deterrent to those who are cruel to animals but in our opinion these sentences do not send that message. However, SPCA Auckland remains pleased that these serious offenders have been brought to court and made answerable for their actions.”
SPCA Auckland appeals to everyone who seeks justice for all animals to contribute to supporting our inspectors in the field by donating to our Justice Fund at spca.org.nz/justice.
For more information contact Bob Kerridge, Executive Director, SPCA Auckland, on 09 256 7306, 0274 959 449, 09 528 9940 (after hours), or bob.kerridge@spca.org.nz
Exercise your heart – adopt a dog
Ready to adopt a dog? Now is the time to do it because SPCA Auckland is offering 40% off the cost from Saturday 11 August to Sunday 19 August.
It’s part of a campaign called ‘Exercise your heart. Adopt a dog’ that aims to address an overflow of rescued dogs at the SPCA Auckland Animal Village in Mangere.
“We hope Aucklanders will do their hearts a favour and adopt a dog,” says Christine Kalin, SPCA Auckland CEO.
“When you adopt a dog from us, you’ll not only get lots of heart-healthy exercise walking it, but you’ll also get as much unconditional love from your canine companion as you can handle.
“And it will warm the cockles of your heart to know you’ve saved a dog that has had a hard start in life and has now found its forever home with you. It’s such a win-win.”
Our poster dog: Mishka
Right now SPCA Auckland has lots of beautiful dogs ready and waiting to be adopted, just like Mishka, a one-year-old huntaway and collie cross.
“Mishka was surrendered into our care in July by her owner because sadly she was no longer able to care for her due to ill health,” says Ms Kalin.
“Mishka was very shy when she first arrived, but has now really come out of her shell. She is extremely responsive to praise, loves cuddles, and is a highly intelligent dog.
“She has responded very well to obedience training. She has a playful nature and loves to play tag with Ashley, a canine team member. And she is great with puppies.
“Mishka’s new owner must be prepared to be a strong leader or this strong-willed dog will rule the house herself.
“If you’re looking for a dog that’s smart, fun, and highly trainable, Mishka is waiting to meet you.”
Come and visit Mishka and our other dogs at 50 Westney Rd, Mangere – open 7 days from 10am to 4pm or call SPCA Auckland on 09 256 7300 and ask to speak to a canine attendant.
For more information, please contact: Christine Kalin, CEO SPCA Auckland,
P: 09 256 2528
M: 0274 201 598
E: christine.kalin@spca.org.nz
The story of Bright Eyes: From dumped in a box to happily adopted
Bright Eyes, the dog that captured the sympathy of thousands of Aucklanders since she was found severely emaciated in a cardboard box in January this year, has finally found her forever home.
SPCA Auckland Senior Inspector Kevin Plowright, who has fostered Bright Eyes since March, has decided to make her a permanent part of his family where she will be free to happily roam his 10-acre block.
It has been a six-month road to recovery for the dog that was found dumped in appalling condition in a cardboard box at the end of a driveway in Alfriston Road, Manurewa on Friday 27 January 2012.
Bright Eyes was discovered by a member of the public in the box, shivering, emaciated, and so weak she could not stand.
“Her bones were showing through her skin, her claws were seriously overgrown, and she was close to death,” says SPCA Auckland CEO Christine Kalin.
“This case stands as one of the most extreme examples of animal cruelty and neglect we have witnessed. Yet despite the best efforts of Police and SPCA, as well as widespread media coverage, the culprit has never been found.
“And although our dedicated staff have managed to salvage this abused animal and nurse her back to physical health, the emotional and psychological harm will be with Bright Eyes for the rest of her life.”
Senior Inspector Kevin Plowright says the change in her physical health is nothing short of miraculous.
“You almost wouldn’t recognise her now. You certainly wouldn’t think that she was the same dog that was in the papers,” says Mr Plowright.
“I still remember the first time I saw Bright Eyes. Lying in the hospital, hairless and scared. She was so thin and weak she couldn’t even stand. Now she races out to the van every morning, excited to go to work.
“However, Bright Eyes isn’t out of the woods yet. She has had behavioural problems and can be aggressive around food. Food once meant literally life or death to her, so it was worth fighting for. She can also become aggressive when she’s scared. But we’ve been working hard and she is now a lot more relaxed when eating, and calmer when meeting new people.”
Mr Plowright believes the support of the many people who emailed and donated in response to Bright Eyes’ story helped her to pull through.
“Bright Eyes is a dog that will go down in SPCA history. Her name will be remembered with the likes of Job and Eve, other dogs that saw the worst of human nature and yet never lost the ability to love. People from all over the world heard about her story and have followed her though this journey.
“To now be able to give her the home she deserves is nothing short of a privilege.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who has followed her story and sent donations and words of encouragement. Everyone played a part in this success. We can all be proud of what we have achieved.”
In the meantime, the work of rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing dogs and other animals goes on. SPCA Auckland is currently overflowing with dogs so from Saturday 11 August until Sunday 19 August, the organisation is running a special campaign to encourage people to adopt dogs.
“Entitled ‘Exercise your heart – Adopt a dog’, the campaign can save prospective dog owners up to 40% of the normal adoption fees,” says Ms Kalin.
“It means you could provide a loving forever home for a dog who has had a hard time and deserves a break in life. If you’re considering adding a canine member to the family, now is a good time to do it.”
SPCA Auckland is empowered under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 to protect all animals from abuse, neglect, and abandonment, and to prosecute people who break this law. To report such cases, please phone 09 256 7300.
For more information, please contact: Christine Kalin, CEO SPCA Auckland,
P: 09 256 2528
M: 0274 201 598
E: christine.kalin@spca.org.nz
Get your motor runnin’: Huge hot rod show and charity auction coming to SPCA Auckland
The Hot Rod & Classic Car Show and charity auction on Sunday 30 September 2012 at SPCA Animal Village, Mangere, will feature more than 180 crazily modified and superbly restored cars, plus food stalls, live music, spot prizes, hot rod rides, and FREE fun for the whole family.
The charity auction from 1.00pm to 3.00pm will feature a stunning collection of donated items up for grabs, including a Trueform Spa Pool valued at more than $6000, signed rock merchandise (including a signed Slash CD and signed System of a Down and Franz Ferdinand photos), power tools, hair dryers, car valet vouchers, and much more. All proceeds from the auction will go to SPCA Auckland.
Organised and sponsored by Renegade Rod and Custom Club and Trueform Spa Pools, the annual event also offers visitors the chance to win a $100 cash door prize, quick-fire raffles throughout the day, and all-day entertainment and activities for kids – including a slushy drinking contest organised by Slushy Guy
Self-described westie comedian Ewen Gilmour will be on hand to judge the best hot rod, plus Emmett Skilton from the Almighty Johnsons and other celebrities are expected to attend.
Event: Hot Rod & Classic Car Show + charity auction
Date: Sunday 30 September 2012
Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm
Venue: SPCA Auckland Animal Village, 50 Westney Rd, Mangere
Info: call 09 256 2520 or go to www.spca.org.nz
Entry: FREE (donations appreciated)
For more information, please contact: Rona Booth, Marketing & Fundraising Manager SPCA Auckland.
P: 09 256 7311
M: 022 098 5476
E: rona.booth@spca.org.nz
Owner of huge menagerie guilty of animal neglect
An Auckland woman was found guilty in the Manukau District Court of severely neglecting 48 birds in her care – and has been ordered to forfeit more than 150 animals to SPCA Auckland.
Jane Fitzpatrick, 61, was found guilty on several charges of failing to provide proper and sufficient food, water, shelter and clean living conditions to 33 chickens and 15 cockatiels on her 12-acre Aririmu property located about 7km east of Ramarama. She was also found guilty of failing to ensure a bantam chicken received treatment to alleviate any unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress.
But conditions at the Defendant’s rural property are far worse than even these serious charges might suggest, according to SPCA Auckland Chief Inspector Nick Thomason.
“We’ve been sending Inspectors to this property for at least the last six years because of ongoing issues with the Defendant’s treatment of the huge number of animals in her care,” says Mr Thomason.
“She simply has more animals than she can adequately look after. Every time our inspectors have visited the property they have found animals in a state of neglect and ill-health because of the atrocious living conditions in which they are confined.”
In early 2010, Inspectors found 8 goats, 2 llamas, 40 sheep, and 12 cattle on the 12-acre property. They also found 24 cats confined in 2 unventilated sheds, plus 11 enclosures containing about 95 different kinds of birds. The cat sheds were filled with weeks-old faeces and the bird enclosures were overcrowded, filthy, and lacked shelter and drinking water.
The Defendant was given verbal and written instructions to ensure all living areas were cleaned on a daily basis, to supply fresh clean water and food at all times, and to supply adequate shelter for all the animals in her care. A visit some weeks later by Inspectors revealed that these instructions had not been carried out, so 32 chickens and 15 cockatiels were removed.
“We took the birds to avian veterinarians who found that one bantam chicken was unconscious, in respiratory distress, and emaciated, and concluded that the bird had been ill for several weeks and was suffering,” says Mr Thomason. “ Another avian veterinarian found that the cockatiels and chickens were carrying various parasitic worms and were in poor physical condition, and concluded that the Defendant had failed in her duty of care to provide adequate conditions and medical care for them.”
The Defendant later surrendered the 32 chickens into the care of SPCA Auckland.
Today Judge Kiernan sentenced the Defendant to 200 hours community service, disqualified her from owning animals for 10 years, and ordered her to forfeit all animals owned by her to SPCA Auckland. The Judge also ordered the Defendant to pay reparations of $5000 to SPCA Auckland and to undergo counselling.
For more information contact Bob Kerridge, Executive Director, SPCA Auckland
Phone: 09 256 7306
Mobile: 0274 959 449
After hours: 09 528 9940
Email: bob.kerridge@spca.org.nz
Pet safety tips for Halloween
Halloween is supposed to be a scary time – but not for your pets! To help keep companion animals happy and safe this Halloween, SPCA Auckland recommends:
1. No treats for your pets: Lollies and especially chocolate are actually toxic for dogs and cats. Switching to sugar-free lollies doesn’t help – artificial sweeteners can also cause health problems. If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, please call your veterinarian immediately.
2. Think twice about dress-ups: We recommend that you don’t dress up your pet, however if you feel compelled to do so, try the costume out in advance to see how they react. If they seem distressed in any way, don’t do it. If the costume restricts their movements or ability to breath, bark, or meow, don’t do it. If they have an allergic reaction, don’t do it. Check the costume carefully to ensure there are no small, easily-chewed-off parts that they can choke on. Check it fits properly and won’t snag on things and suffocate or injure them.
3. Keep pets away from the front door: A steady stream of weirdly costumed strangers banging on your door and demanding lollies is enough to frighten or distress any animal. Keep them in a separate room, preferably with company so you can tend to trick or treaters without worrying about your pets darting out the door.
4. Collars on please: Make sure your dog or cat is wearing some identification or is microchipped so if they do escape, getting them back will be that much easier.
For more information, please contact: Christine Kalin, CEO SPCA Auckland,
P: 09 256 2528
M: 0274 201 598
E: christine.kalin@spca.org.nz
Farmer ignored bull with missing hoof
On 1 September 2011 an SPCA Inspector discovered a brown and white Hereford bull with its right hind hoof completely missing on the property of Peter Coleman in Hunua, Auckland.
The Inspector called a large animal Veterinarian who examined the bull and stated that the hoof was lost as a result of traumatic injury, such as becoming entangled in fence wire. The limb would have taken several weeks to die and fall off, depending on the severity of the initial injury.
Coleman arrived and confirmed that the bull had become trapped in a fence a month or so ago and the foot had fallen off within that last few days. He stated the bull had received no veterinarian treatment.
“The bull would have experienced continued pain since the initial injury,” says Bob Kerridge, SPCA Auckland Executive Director.
“In addition to the obvious pain, the bull would have been experiencing pain and discomfort from having to use its muscles to move the limb without the aid of tendons and ligaments.
“The Veterinarian said the damage to the limb was irreversible and recommended euthanasia to prevent further pain and suffering.”
The Inspector issued the defendant with a Section AWS130 notice A5367, instructing the defendant to have the bull euthanized within 24 hours, which Coleman did.
Peter Coleman, 51, pleaded guilty today in the Manukau District Court to two charges: 1) of failing to ensure the bull received treatment to alleviate any unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress, and 2) keeping the bull alive when it was in such a condition that it was suffering unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress.
He was fined $1500.
For more information contact Bob Kerridge, Executive Director, SPCA Auckland
Phone: 09 256 7306
Mobile: 0274 959 449
After hours: 09 528 9940
Email: bob.kerridge@spca.org.nz
Keep your pets safe at Guy Fawkes
“Guy Fawkes Night can be a terrifying time for animals,” says SPCA Auckland CEO Christine Kalin.
“The loud noises and bright flashes of fireworks can send them into a panic because their senses are much, much more sensitive than ours.
“We are supposed to wear hearing protection when exposed to anything above 85 decibels. Fireworks typically produce about 140 decibels – enough to immediately damage human hearing.
“A dog’s hearing is twice as sensitive as a human’s and a cat’s is three times as sensitive, so the bangs from fireworks can be extremely distressing for them.”
Here are 5 tips from SPCA Auckland to help keep your pets safe and calm on Guy Fawkes Night:
1. Stay home with your pet – they’ll be less stressed with someone they trust close by.
2. Keep them indoors – where they won’t see the flashes and the bangs will be muffled. Close doors and windows and draw the curtains. Turn up the volume on your radio or TV to help drown out loud bangs.
3. Put a collar and registration tag on your dog – if your dog panics and bolts, it will help rescuers reunite you. Attach a disc with your contact phone number.
4. Take special care of elderly or nervous pets – consult your vet for the best advice on keeping them calm, including sedation if necessary.
5. Move horses and farm animals away from fireworks – and make sure all fences are secure. Stable horses where possible.
If your animal goes missing, please contact your local vet clinics and register your lost pet at www.petsonthenet.co.nz.
SPCA Auckland continues to seek a ban on the sale of fireworks to the public.
For more information, please contact: Christine Kalin, CEO SPCA Auckland,
P: 09 256 2528
M: 0274 201 598
E: christine.kalin@spca.org.nz
‘Experienced’ owner starves horse to death
Alison Freemantle-Pilkington, 57, of Papakura was convicted today in the Manukau District Court of neglecting five horses in her care – one of which died of starvation.
Freemantle-Pilkington, who described herself as having had 30 years of experience in owning and handling horses, was sentenced to 220 hours of community work in lieu of a fine, ordered to pay $4562 in costs, and disqualified from owning animals for 5 years.
In July 2010 an SPCA Auckland Inspector found five horses – Jasper, Ace, Star, Aaron, and Benjamin – looking extremely thin in two large paddocks. The Inspector gauged their ‘body score’ at 3.5 out of 10 (5 being ideal).
Although the paddocks were very large and could have been adequate for five horses, there was very little or no grass growth and the horses had no natural feed available. The Inspector phoned the horses’ owner, Ms Freemantle-Pilkington, told her that her horses were very thin and instructed her to feed them more supplementary feed.
During a new inspection the next week, four of the horses had a body score of 3 out of 10. The fifth, Jasper, scored at 2.5 out of 10 and had signs of scouring (equine diarrhoea). The Inspector called a veterinarian to examine the horses. However, the veterinarian could not get close enough to the horses to examine them as they were so unused to being handled.
The Inspector arranged to meet Ms Freemantle-Pilkington and the veterinarian the next morning. The veterinarian examined the horses and the Inspector issued orders under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 for the owner to feed the horses twice a day and provide special care for Jasper, including stabling, medicine, and a blanket.
That evening Jasper died from starvation, acute salmonelosis, bronchopneumonia, and an overwhelming parasitic burden. The Inspector found Jasper dead near the stables the next day.
The Inspector called a veterinarian to conduct a necropsy on Jasper and examine the four remaining horses. The veterinarian recommended that Ace be euthanized on humane grounds. After attempting and failing to contact Ms Freemantle-Pilkington, the Inspector authorised the veterinarian to do so.
The remaining three horses were emaciated with a body score of 0.5 to 1. They were immediately placed in the care of the SPCA Auckland.
“Two months later, the surviving horses – Star, Aaron, and Benjamin – were thriving and had good body scores. The main treatment the Auckland SPCA had provided was proper and sufficient food, although we also treated them for rainscald and dewormed them,” says Bob Kerridge, Executive Director, SPCA Auckland.
“These horses have now been forfeited to the care of SPCA Auckland and will be put forward for adoption.
“Although this case does not suggest any deliberate or malicious mistreatment, it does represent an extreme case of neglect with tragic outcomes, results which are simply unacceptable. It also indicates a remarkable lack of understanding of the basic needs of horses by the owner.
“Horses are sentient, as are all animals, and accordingly are capable of feeling pain and distress, as these horses undoubtedly did. This is unacceptable and could have been averted if veterinary advice had been sought or the SPCA had been asked to help earlier.
“The sentencing handed down in this case is an appropriate outcome – a lesson has been learned, and a message sent.”
For more information contact Bob Kerridge, Executive Director, SPCA Auckland
Phone: 09 256 7306
Mobile: 0274 959 449
After hours: 09 528 9940
Email bob.kerridge@spca.org.nz
Unique campaign galvanises roofing support
Local roofing companies have banded together to replace most of SPCA Auckland’s large, leaky roof for free.
The old roof reached a critical stage of leakiness earlier this year but SPCA Auckland lacked the funds to replace it, according to Christine Kalin, SPCA Auckland CEO.
“We’ve been wanting to replace it for quite some time but we’re a charity and all our money is directed towards saving and finding homes for lost, abandoned, and abused animals,” says Ms Kalin.
“Our funding activities raise only so much and we receive no guaranteed government funding. So the question remained: how could we get our roof fixed before it became an OSH issue?”
The answer came in the form of a low-cost direct marketing campaign, the brainchild of indie advertising company Shirtcliffe & Co.
“We got old bits of rusty roofing iron and printed the words ‘It’s raining on our cats and dogs’ on them,” says Executive Creative Director Matt Shirtcliffe. “Then we couriered them to a small number of specialist roofing companies and followed up with phone calls from the CEO of SPCA Auckland.
“The results were absolutely brilliant – before long we had a group of companies putting their hands up to donate labour and materials, spearheaded by Brendan McLoughlin of ACR Reroofing.”
Mr McLoughlin is an animal lover himself who has adopted several dogs from SPCA Auckland – so he was happy to donate about $12,000 worth of free labour and materials.
“When we received the piece of roofing tin with the holes in it saying the cats and dogs were getting wet we were keen to get involved,” says Mr McLoughlin. “So we had a word with some other companies and they came to the party with materials.”
Steel & Tube Roofing manufactured all the roofing sheets free of charge using COLORSTEEL® donated by NZ Steel, while Hylton Parker Fasteners provided all the fastenings, Paul Industries donated the netting, and Tasman Insulation donated the insulation.
“Delightfully surprised” is how Ms Kalin describes her reaction to the news that SPCA Auckland’s leaky roof would be replaced completely free of charge.
“It’s a dream come true for us and we really can’t thank all these wonderful companies enough,” she says.
“We work at the coalface of animal welfare every day and we often see the worst of human behaviour. This extremely generous gift really does restore our faith in the essential goodness of people and gives us renewed hope to carry on with our mission.”
For more information please contact:
Christine Kalin, CEO SPCA Auckland
P: 09 256 2528
M: 0274 201 598
E: christine.kalin@spca.org.nz
Howick man pleads guilty to severe neglect
When most New Zealanders were firing up the barby just after New Year’s 2011, an SPCA Volunteer Ambulance driver was making a grisly discovery in East Auckland.
It was the day after New Year’s 2011 when an SPCA Ambulance was called to a property in Howick to collect a dog to transport to a vet clinic. The animal’s owner, Mr Olmstead, 43, claimed to have only just noticed the dog’s condition.
The dog, an Airedale terrier, was found lying in the garden in the following condition:
• Coat extremely matted and dirty with faeces covering the anus and vulva.
• Both eyes were infected with conjunctivitis and full of pus.
• It was extremely weak and unable to walk and severely dehydrated.
• It suffered from a serious ear infection of the left ear and had a large, ruptured tumour beneath the right ear.
• The dog was obviously in great pain and discomfort.
The driver transported the dog to a veterinary clinic for an examination that confirmed these findings. The vet rang Mr Olmstead and advised that due to its condition and obvious suffering euthanasia was recommended. The Defendant gave consent over the phone.
“Clearly this dog had been severely neglected and in acute pain over a considerable period of time,” says Christine Kalin, CEO of SPCA Auckland. “For the owner to claim that he had only just noticed any of this is simply unbelievable. This was confirmed by the vet who felt it was impossible that Mr Olmstead could have ‘just discovered’ the overall condition of his animal.
“Any normal person would have realised that the dog was suffering and needed urgent veterinary treatment long before it got into this appalling state.”
In the Manukau District Court today Mr Olmstead pleaded guilty to ill-treatment of an animal and was sentenced to a $5000 fine, payable to the SPCA; and disqualified from owning animals for 12 months.
“The message here is simple: Animal owners cannot just stop caring for their pets and then casually expect the SPCA to turn a blind eye. People who inflict pain and suffering on vulnerable animals in their care will be held accountable,” says Ms Kalin.
For more information please contact:
Christine Kalin, CEO SPCA Auckland
P: 09 256 2528
M: 0274 201 598
E: christine.kalin@spca.org.nz
Cat drowned in lobster trap in Waitemata Harbour
A ginger and white cat found drowned in Waitemata Harbour on Sunday appears to have been first lured into a makeshift lobster trap and then dumped in the water to die.
The cat’s body was discovered floating in the trap beneath Auckland Harbour Bridge by members of the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron who were taking part in the Harken Youth International Match Racing Championships. The cat and the trap were fished from the water by RNZYS Youth Training Programme Coach Guy Pilkington, and Danielle Bowater, who alerted SPCA Auckland.
“The people from RNZYS brought the dead cat ashore at Westhaven Marina where I examined it,” says SPCA Inspector Matt Dingle.
“The cat was inside a cylindrical plastic trap about a metre or so long with a very small opening at one end. There was a blue food bowl inside the trap with the cat, which suggests to me that someone lured the cat inside and then disposed of it in the harbour.”
The cat, whose sex is yet to be determined, was examined by the SPCA Auckland Vet Manager Shalsee Vigeant who confirmed that the cat had died by drowning.
“It is a very sad and inhumane way for any animal to die,” says Dr Vigeant.
SPCA Auckland CEO Christine Kalin is determined to find who is responsible for the drowning.
“This is an appalling act of animal cruelty. We need to find the culprit quickly and seek justice for this innocent animal,” says Ms Kalin. “This cat may have been someone’s beloved pet or it may have been a stray but either way the person who killed it has committed a crime.
“We are appealing to members of the public to call us with any information that might lead to the arrest of the offender. If you have seen someone throwing something that looked like this trap into the harbour, or have any other information, please call us on 09 256 7300.
SPCA Auckland is empowered under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 to protect all animals from abuse, neglect, and abandonment, and to prosecute people who break this law. To report such cases, please phone 09 256 7300.
New SPCA op shop opens on North Shore
SPCA Auckland is opening a new op shop at 231 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead – the organisation’s second op shop on the North Shore – with an opening day party on Saturday, 9 March from 10am to 3pm.
Festivities will include a sausage sizzle, candyfloss, face painting, and details of dogs available for adoption.
SPCA Auckland’s op shops provide a vital revenue stream that helps fund the rescue and rehabilitation of about 19,000 abandoned, abused, or neglected in Auckland every year, according to Christine Kalin, SPCA Auckland CEO.
“We’re delighted to open our sixth op shop in Auckland – the others are at Browns Bay, Henderson, Glen Innes, Howick, and Onehunga,” says Ms Kalin.
“These shops enable animal lovers to support SPCA while getting bargains on bric-a-brac, furniture, clothing, kids toys, jewellery, and much more. We get no direct government funding so every dollar we raise through these stores helps ease our funding burden.
“Basically if you buy a second-hand sofa from our new Birkenhead store, you’re putting money directly into funding our Animal Rescue Service, our team of Inspectors, our Animal Village in Mangere where hundreds of animals are cared for while they await adoption, and much more.
Following the opening day, the Birkenhead shop will be open from 10am to 4pm weekdays and 10am to 2pm Saturdays. Members of the public wishing to donate their time can volunteer to help run the store – simply apply www.spca.org.nz. And anyone with good quality items to sell in the shop – including furniture, cookware, bric-a-brac, clothing, jewellery, and bags – can drop them at any of SPCA Auckland’s six op shops. Click here for shop details.
For more information please contact:
Christine Kalin, CEO SPCA Auckland
P: 09 256 2528
M: 0274 201 598
E: christine.kalin@spca.org.nz
Bunnies are for more than just Easter
SPCA Auckland wants prospective pet owners to step up and adopt a bunny this Easter – but only if they’re truly committed to caring for these lovable bundles of fluffy fun.
“Responsible pet ownership is what we’re after with every animal adoption – and that goes for rabbits too,” says SPCA Auckland CEO Christine Kalin.
“Rabbits make wonderfully unique pets. They’re affectionate, cuddly, intelligent, athletic, and full of personality, but they need lots of care and attention every day of their 5 to 10-year lifespan. The last thing we want is for people to adopt a rabbit at Easter and then realise the animal requires more care than they can handle.”
To help people decide whether a rabbit is right for them, here’s a 10-point checklist.
Top 10 rabbit checklist for newbies
1.Indoors or outdoors?
Rabbits are whip-smart and can be completely toilet trained so they can live indoors 24/7 – perfect for apartment-dwellers. If they’re going to spend at least part of the time outside, you will need a large, purpose-built run that will keep them safe.
2.Company
Rabbits are highly social animals, so they need to be played with, handled, and cherished every day. Left alone for hours on end in a hutch, a rabbit will suffer and become grumpy and depressed. The more love and attention you lavish on your bunny, the more you’ll get back. And vice versa.
3.Exercise
Rabbits are athletic. In the wild they can ramble over several hectares a day so they need lots of exercise every day. To exercise your rabbit outside, you’ll need a safe, portable, predator-proof enclosure that you move to a new patch of grass each day.
4.Food
Rabbits need fresh water, fresh grass, and fresh hay every day. They like other greens too like dandelions, puha, doc, and cabbage. You can give them small amounts of fruit such as apples and pears, plus small amounts of carrots as a treat. Steer clear of beans, breads, nuts, and grains. And chocolate is definitely wrong so no Easter eggs.
5.Living quarters
Furnishing your rabbit’s home can be a lot of fun. Rabbits live in underground burrows in the wild so make them feel safe and secure by introducing boxes, baskets, and tunnels. Providing hidey-holes and toys also keeps life interesting for your rabbit so it will feel safer and happier.
6.Children
Rabbits make wonderful pets for children from around eight years old. Keep in mind you will be the primary caregiver for the rabbit and constant supervision is required around young children.
7.Handling
There are few creatures cuddlier than a bunny but they need careful handling to avoid accidental injury to their delicate bones. Place one hand under the chest, support the hindquarters with the other hand, and cradle the rabbit against your body. And never, ever pick them up by the ears.
8.Grooming
All that soft, soft fur needs a little maintenance to keep it completely cuddle-tastic. Regular brushing will keep your rabbit’s coat in top condition and prevent it getting hairballs.
9.One bunny or two?
Rabbits live in family groups in the wild so adopting more than one usually means happier bunnies. If you do adopt more than one you’ll need to slowly introduce them to one another to help them bond properly – or you can adopt already bonded, desexed pairs from SPCA Auckland.
10.Health
Good food, lots of exercise, and a house full of love go a long way to keeping rabbits – and humans – happy and healthy. But like any pet you’ll need to keep a daily check on your rabbit’s appearance and behaviour and be prepared to cart them off the vet if anything seems amiss.
For more bunny tips, go to www.spca.org.nz/AnimalCare/RabbitCare.aspx
Rabbits available for adoption can be viewed at SPCA Auckland, 50 Westney Road, Mangere from 10am to 4pm or visit www.spca.org.nz.
Note: SPCA Auckland will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Jail time for man who beat ‘Boy’ In late June 2012 in a back yard in Mangere, a man called Maxwel Johnson beat his one-year-old dog ‘Boy’ so severely that the dog lost an eye, several teeth, and suffered a broken jaw.
Today in the Manukau District Court Johnson pleaded guilty to the wilful ill-treatment of an animal under Section 28(1a) of Animal Welfare Act 1999 and was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, disqualified from owning pets for 10 years, and ordered to pay reparations of $4331.75.
First Johnson struck the dog in the head with his fist several times using his full force. Then he struck the dog several more times with the wooden end of a fishing rod, using both arms to swing the rod as hard as he could.
“When SPCA Auckland Inspectors interviewed him under caution a few days later, he admitted the beating,” says SPCA Auckland Chief Inspector Nick Thomason.
“He said he beat the dog on purpose knowing it would injure the dog and cause pain and distress. He said he did it to teach him a lesson. He also stated that the dog was screaming throughout the assault, and further admitted a history of hitting and kicking Boy.”
Acting on a complaint received from a member of the public, Boy, a brindled bull terrier cross, was found chained to a kennel. There was a serious injury to the dog’s left eye and a large amount of swelling over the left upper jaw area. The dog was drooling bloody fluid, was slow and stiff at standing, and was limping on his front right leg.
The dog was seized and transported to SPCA Auckland, and was treated and examined on arrival by an SPCA Veterinarian. Due to the severity of the injuries the eye was surgically removed the next day along with five severely damaged teeth.
An x-ray examination confirmed a fracture to Boy’s left upper jaw and a healing fracture of his right foreleg from a previous injury. The Veterinarian confirmed the dog would have suffered from severe pain and distress caused by the injuries and is left with a permanent disability.
SPCA Executive Director Bob Kerridge says the jail term imposed by the Judge reflects the severity of the crime Johnson committed.
“Such a severe and deliberate beating of a defenceless animal is inexcusable,” says Mr Kerridge.
“Such unprovoked attacks can lead to more serious offences against people, including children. Crimes of violence like this need to be severely dealt with. The term of imprisonment imposed by the Judge will provide time for Johnson to reflect on his cruel deed, and will send a message to others that animal cruelty is a crime.”
For more information contact Bob Kerridge, Executive Director, SPCA Auckland
Phone: 09 256 7306
Mobile: 0274 959 449
After hours: 09 528 9940
Email bob.kerridge@spca.org.nz
Dog abuse leads to neighbourhood spat
In July 2012 Manuwera woman Kelly Leef should have thought twice before trying to drive her neighbour’s puppy off her property with a swift kick.
The kick broke the dog’s jaw and led to her partner being assaulted by the dog’s owner in retaliation. Things quickly escalated, the police were called, and Leef ended up in the Manukau District court today pleading guilty to ill-treating an animal under Section 29(a) of the Animal Welfare Act.
On the day after the incident the dog – a 14-week-old, male, black, Labrador crossbreed puppy – was taken by an SPCA Inspector to an after-hours veterinarian for examination.
The veterinarian found injuries indicative of blunt force trauma and signs of pain when the puppy’s mouth was examined. It was given pain relief and antibiotics, held overnight, and then transferred to SPCA Auckland for x-rays. The x-rays confirmed a fracture of the jaw and the puppy was prescribed pain relief and put on a soft food diet. The puppy was later returned its owners following treatment.
Leef was ordered to pay a fine of $1000 plus $527.85 reparations, and was disqualified from owning animals for 5 years.
“All of this drama could have been so easily avoided if everyone had taken a deep breath and done the right thing,” says SPCA Auckland CEO Christine Kalin.
“If a dog strays onto your property, don’t take it out on the dog – talk to your neighbour and try to sort out a solution face-to-face. If that doesn’t work, then call Auckland Council’s Animal Management Officers as a last resort.
“Physical abuse of animals – and humans – is never the right option and can result in serious consequences.”
To contact Auckland Council Animal Management concerning dog attacks, wandering stock, roaming dogs, lost and impounded animals, excessive barking and fouling, call (09) 301 0101.
For more information, please contact:
Christine Kalin
CEO SPCA Auckland
P: 09 256 2528
M: 0274 201 598
E: christine.kalin@spca.org.nz
Man who starved puppy to death sentenced
Manurewa man Tekana Katuke yesterday admitted abusing and starving three puppies, one of which died of starvation and was buried in a back yard.
Katuke pleaded guilty in the Manukau District Court to charges of failing to provide proper and sufficient food to animals in his care, ill-treating an animal, and failing to ensure an animal received treatment to alleviate any unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress.
He was sentenced to 200 hours of community service, ordered to pay $997.07 reparations, and disqualified from owning animals for 5 years.
On 22 November 2012 an SPCA Inspector attended a Manurewa property following a call from Police about an emaciated dog they had discovered while investigating a domestic violence incident.
The two, 3-month-old puppies on the property – ‘Blacky’ and ‘Meth’ – were both underweight, especially Blacky whose backbone, ribcage, pin bones, and hips were clearly visible.
A neighbour said a third puppy – ‘Jazz’ – who was a sibling of the other two, had died recently and was buried in Katuke’s back yard. The neighbour consented for the body to be exhumed for a necropsy examination to determine the cause of death.
Meanwhile, Police arrested the owner of the dogs, Tekana Katuke, due to previous outstanding warrants and the domestic violence incident.
An SPCA Auckland Veterinarian examined Blacky and found he weighed only 3.7kg. X-rays revealed a six-week-old fracture of the proximal right femur, which the Veterinarian stated would have caused the puppy a significant amount of pain and suffering. Blood and faecal results confirmed Blacky’s thin body condition was due to lack of proper and sufficient food.
Necropsy results for Jazz revealed that the puppy died from starvation. Grass present in Jazz’s stomach was also consistent with starvation, since a starving animal will often attempt to gain sustenance from indigestible food. The Veterinary Pathologist concluded that Jazz underwent a long period of chronic malnutrition and starvation, which would have caused prolonged distress and suffering.
In January of this year, after seven weeks in the care of SPCA Auckland, Blacky weighed 9.5kg – an average weight gain of nearly 1kg per week.
“This disturbing case is yet another example of how animal abuse and neglect is strongly linked to other, often violent, offending,” says SPCA Auckland CEO Christine Kalin.
“While we’re pleased to gain a conviction in this instance, it’s a pity all three dogs suffered for months at the hand of the Defendant and no one reported the abuse.”
For more information contact Christine Kalin, SPCA Auckland CEO
Phone: 09 256 7300
Mobile: 027 420 1598
email:
Christine.Kalin@spca.org.nz
Man guilty of starving dog to death
Panmure man Howard Teao today pleaded guilty to ill-treating an animal in the Auckland District Court and was sentenced to 50 hours community work and ordered to pay reparations of $1903.63.
On 1 April 2012 an SPCA Auckland Inspector arrived at Teao’s Panmure property in response to a sighting of an emaciated dog that was having difficulty walking – and found the dog dead on a rubbish heap.
The dog – ‘Honey’, a tan coloured, female, terrier type dog – was described by the Inspector as “a skeleton with fur”. The deceased animal’s entire bone structure was highly visible and the body was still warm.
A necropsy examination by a veterinarian indicated that ‘Honey’ died from starvation and fluid deprivation. The veterinarian concluded that the deterioration in the dog’s body condition showed gross neglect and would have resulted in gross pain and suffering.
Further inspection of the property identified two tan coloured, male, terrier crossbreed type puppies tied to a fence with no access to any shelter. The Inspector gave instructions for the owner to immediately provide adequate shelter for both dogs.
On 17 April 2012 SPCA Auckland Inspectors returned to the property and found the two dogs still tied to the fence without any form of shelter. One of the dogs was without water and faecal matter littered the area. Both dogs were seized and taken into the care of SPCA Auckland.
Teao later surrendered the two dogs into the permanent care of SPCA Auckland. Both dogs have since been successfully re-homed.
“This is a shocking case that underscores the importance of maintaining zero tolerance towards the neglect and abuse of animals,” says SPCA Auckland CEO Christine Kalin.
“I would like to thank the member of public who reported Mr Teao’s abuse of these dogs. Although we were too late to save ‘Honey’, we have managed to rehabilitate and find long-term, loving homes for the remaining two dogs.
“At SPCA Auckland we do all we can to rescue animals that are neglected, abused, or abandoned in the Auckland region – but we can’t be everywhere at once. So we need members of the public to stay vigilant, be our eyes and ears, and report any situations where animals may be at risk.”
For more information contact Christine Kalin, SPCA Auckland CEO
Phone: 09 256 7300
Mobile: 027 420 1598
email: Christine.Kalin@spca.org.nz