Please remember that the SPCA IS NOT DOG CONTROL. If you can't contact Dog Control, please contact the Ashburton District Council on 307 7700. For stray cats, please call your local Animal Control.  

ATTENTION!  All donations of  food, old blankets and sheets  always welcome.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ALL WORK AT THE SPCA IS DONE BY VOLUNTEERS.

The SPCA stands for the Society For the Prevention of Cruelty to animals. It is set up by people in the community who are interested in, and want to do something about, the welfare of animals.

It is a voluntary organisation which provides help to animals and owners, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, although the public should expect only genuine emergencies to be dealt with outside normal working hours.

How did it begin?
 

It began in England last century at a time of great animal use - and abuse. Animals were being used in many situations  to provide power, and blood sports, such as bull baiting and cock fighting were common practice.

The first law to protect animals was finally passed in 1822 after a long struggle by several people, in particular William Wilberforce, of anti slavery fame, and Richard Martin, otherwise known as Humanity Dick.

Two years later, in 1824, the Rev. Arthur Broome formed the SPCA in London, and these three men, and others, proceeded to take many prosecutions for breaches of the new act.

How did the SPCA begin in New Zealand?
 

Along with other things British, the early settlers bought with them the laws of England, and thus the English 'Protection of Animals Act' became part of our laws. This was replaced  in 1878 by our first NZ act protecting animals. By this time, the settlers had time to think of other things besides establishing the necessities of life, and in 1882 the first SPCA was formed in Dunedin, quickly followed by other main centres. Gradually smaller communities established their own SPCAs, until today, there are more than 50 individual SPCAs throughout the country.

How is the SPCA funded?

The New Zealand SPCA is a purely voluntary organisation, receiving no state funding whatsoever. It relies for its income on donations, bequests, and its own fundraising.

How is the SPCA organised?

National  Body

MID CANTERBURY IS AN AFFILIATED SPCA NOT A BRANCH OF RNZSPCA

This is called the Royal New Zealand SPCA Inc. Its function is to:
*Co ordinate and promote the activities of the local societies
*Promote and handle all approaches to Government for new and amended
legislation relating to animal welfare
*Liase with overseas and International welfare groups

Local Societies

Each local SPCA runs it own affairs, and controls its own finances. A voluntary committee controls the activities. The larger, more affluent societies have some paid staff, but most societies rely on unpaid personnel. Each society has  one or more warranted inspectors, paid or unpaid, to carry out work of the Society.

SPCA Facilities

The size and even the existence of these depends on the size and affluence of the local society. They vary throughout NZ from large complexes to a few cages in someone's backyard. Even where large complexes exist, the society relies heavily on the work and assistance of volunteers.

What does the SPCA and its Inspector do?

1. Investigates all complaints of cruelty and neglect
2. Upholds the laws relating to the treatment of animals, and takes prosecutions where necessary.
3. Assists any animal in distress - lost, abandoned, injured, diseased, neglected, ill treated, unwanted.
4. Re homes suitable unwanted animals where possible
5. Ensures that animals which cannot be kept alive, for whatever reason, are humanly euthanised.
6. Encourages and sustains and intelligent public opinion regarding man's duty to animals.
7. Educates the public, including children, on the care and needs of animals.
8. Promotes responsible ownership of animals, especially in animal population control.

What are the laws relating to animal welfare?

The Act we work under in NZ is called the 'Animal Welfare Act 1999' and its Amendments. It is a very wide ranging Act and deals with offences in the handling and management of animals (including birds) in this country.

What are the most common offences?

*Failing to provide an animal with adequate food, water and shelter
*Deliberate acts of cruelty toward an animal
* Abandonment of an animal
*Failing to seek necessary veterinary advice

How can I help the SPCA?

1. Always set an example yourself of kindness and thoughtfulness towards animals.
2. Join your local SPCA organisation and participate in its activities
3. Notify the SPCA of injured or suffering animals
4. If you already belong to the SPCA, encourage others to join - finance and willing workers are always needed by the SPCA.

Contact the SPCA:
Inspector /Manager
John Keeley
PO Box 485
Ashburton
4 Seafield Rd
Centre 308 4432
Mobile 027 434 2646   24/7   This number is  available during  ALL  of the holiday period 24 /7