The Wairarapa SPCA provides a 24 hour, 7 days a week rescue service for injured and unclaimed pets. We provide shelter, care and rehoming for lost, abandoned and unwanted pets.

We provide a pet link service for lost and found pets. We investigate claims of animal cruelty.

30 AUGUST 2010: PET WATCH

ABANDONED PUPPIES

What does the SPCA do, and how do we help in the community?

It is sad to feel that we are just a dumping ground for unwanted pets. Although we always care, the number of unclaimed animals at the centre is a very sad indictment of the many uncaring people.

For example a well behaved pup, about 4mths old, was tied up to the centre fence last Wednesday. No note, no phone call, nothing.

So many cats that come in throughout any week are never claimed. Cats that have been run over – nobody seems to care. Pups too young to manage on their own are not claimed, and the list goes on.

We don’t turn them away but the centre is so full it is a problem for us all.
Responsible pet ownership is a real life commitment. Lots of forward thinking and planning should be done before taking on a pet. That sounds like a stuck record but the message needs playing to stop the unnecessary dumping of unwanted pets.

A few scenes from Cupcake Day, August 30

The SPCA's Cupcake Day 2010 in Kuripuni earned some much needed cash for the animals and gave us a chance to get out of the office for the day. Many thanks to Anderson's meats for supplying the Barbie!

Cat and Dog charges

We have been forced to increase our prices to keep up with the ever increasing costs and our dogs will now cost $200. This goes towards the neuter/spaying, microchipping, vaccination and registration.
 Our cats and kittens also have a price rise. $70 for an adult cat and $100 for kittens This goes towards the de-sexing and the first vaccination.

Hot cars

Not necessarily of the boy racer variety. The weather will soon get hotter and we will again be faced with constant calls about dogs shut in cars. Please think ahead. Leave the dog at home. You might get caught up in town and the dog gets too hot. Open windows are all very well, but the temperature rises very quickly, even with ventilation.

We have had a good month with adoptions and we say a big thank you to everyone. BUT we still have a large number of really nice dogs.

Dogs needing homes

Bert:  7mths old  lab cross
Rata: 6mths Huntaway cross smart dog.
Keisha: 8yrs old lab cross
Max: 8mths lab cross
Justin: 10mths Collie cross   Has three legs and is ajusting well to this
Angel:  6mths  Staffy cross
Muz: 16mths  Lab cross
Tippy: 4mths  Huntaway cross
Mandy: 2mths Lab cross
Podge and Rodger:  9 weeks, will be big dogs. Maybe greyhound/ staffy/ mastiff... anyone’s guess.

Cats

 There are many older cats who just need a quiet home to retire too. No kittens at this time.

Lost Pets

A Black and white cat from Renall Street
A torti and mainly white from Wavell Crescent
A Grey cat from Cambridge Road Martinborough
A fluffy cat from Renall Street and a tabby from Judds Road.
A black cat from Fleet Street his tail has been trimmed to look like a poodle.

 Centre Hours 9a.m to 4p.m Monday to Friday by arrangements. Phone (06) 377-1912.

Val Ball – Wairarapa SPCA President

25 AUGUST 2010: PET WATCH

ANIMALS ON THE INTERNET

Monday August 30 is Cup Cake Day, and we wish to thank all those who helped us raise funds. Thank you to Anderson's Meats for the sausage sizzle, and to Baldies for the contribution of cupcakes. Thanks to the advertisers for their support as well. Many of our cats and pups have found homes thanks to the newspaper ad.

Dogs

Our dog numbers are slowly going down and this is a help. BUT we do have a lot.

Lottie the cat

We have a special needs cat. Lottie was adopted from Wellington SPCA. but did not work out in her home. She is very timid, but loves affection. The very special home would be one where she has a one on one relationship, a place where it is quiet, without other animals or children. She is a young cat, black and white. If you feel you can help, please come check her out.

Rabbits

It seems sad that many people have rabbits as pets, but when they lose them they  never seem to check the SPCA in case it’s found. We picked up a rabbit over the weekend from Tasman Crescent in Carterton and seemingly nobody owns it. It is very friendly so it has been a pet.

Pets on Trade Me: buyer beware!

Caring for animals is a very vital part of our culture and the expectations of how to do this and responsibilities required are often overlooked when choosing a pet. This is when the SPCA becomes involved. Dogs bought on Trademe are often not quite what the purchaser believes they are buying and once bought are then handed over to SPCA centres. It is better to have a dog from around your own area. Check with dog control re history, and be prepared for the dog to come into your life.

Thanks Carterton Primary School!

Carterton Primary School have had a mufty day and the youngsters have raised $368.00 for the SPCA Thank you, it is a great help.

Val Ball – Wairarapa SPCA President

20 AUGUST 2010: PET WATCH

CUP CAKE DAY

Planning is under way for CUP CAKE DAY at the end of the month and we are seeking people to get involved and help us raise some funds. All money raised in Wairarapa stays here for the work of the Wairarapa SPCA.

We are planning a cup cake stall at Andersons Corner, Kuripuni Shopping centre. If you are able to make cup cakes for us please bring them along. We will be setting up about 9.30. Our fundraising needs will go towards desexing of cats and dogs.

There are many things the SPCA would like to do in the community, if we only had time. Holding adoptions in other towns, providing education in a more positive way and becoming more able to offer nurture time for the elderly and the youth of Wairarapa.

De-sexing campaign

Every year we hold our de-sexing campaign and hope to reap the rewards in the summer months with fewer kittens being dumped in the park, or on the river bed, or in many cases just left to fend for themselves. Kittens are delightful and there are enough homes for them but the reckless breeding of cats is a problem we can all do without.

This is the time of the year when cats are calling and the toms are fighting. Please come and talk to us about being responsible and getting your cat spayed or neutered. Be kind to them and to your neighbours.

Dog Control

We have had a recent situation where dogs have been very hard on cats...and chooks and  guinea pigs. Keeping your dog controlled is vital.. Dogs are like two-year-old children that never grow up.

Please do help with CUP CAKE DAY. 30th of August..

Val Ball – Wairarapa SPCA President

12 AUGUST 2010: PET WATCH

WELLY SPCA's BIRTHDAY

When you think back to the beginning of our organisation and the length of time it has been a part of the community, then it was very special to be a part of the celebrations for Wellington SPCA's 125th birthday.

The function was held in Wellington and attended by staff, volunteers and board members. Keynote speaker was Norm Hewitt, who spoke of the commitment made by people to the care and welfare of animals and about how this helps heal hurting people.

Many of the Wellington volunteers were rewarded for their tireless gifts of time and commitment. Many were foster people who raise and look after kittens and pups for many years.
Wairarapa SPCA is 63 years old and we too have a history,. Being a part of the national body is important, and our link to Wellington SPCA has been very significant over the last 20 years. Their support is valued and our sharing of information and animals, skills and just knowing that we work together for the good of the animals, is the major key.

Lost and Found

Our lost and found call each morning is a real bonus and we are often able to reunite pets with owners. Sadly we have animals that come in and are never claimed. Please, if your pet is missing don't leave it for a couple of weeks – phone in and have it put in our books, and on the radio. We check for lost and found animals each day.

Cup Cake Day

Cup Cake day is coming and we want to raise some funds, Can you help?  Bake some cup cakes, buy some cup cakes, or just donate sometime.

Volunteers

Are you 14 years or older? Could you spare 2 hours in the weekend to help with the dog compound, feeding and cleaning? We need some willing volunteers, especially in the afternoons. Must be comfortable with the dogs.

5 AUGUST 2010: PET WATCH

DOGS BEWARE

  Another month has gone by. A hint of spring is in the air  and there are happy early lambs in the paddocks.

A word to dog owners

You really need to be aware of what your dog is up to and keep a close eye on its wandering. Even urban dogs can find lambs to “play with” and cause lots of harm. Being responsible is important, and remember the farmer has the right to shoot dogs on sight that they catch worrying sheep, no questions asked.
 Your dog, your responsibility: keep your dog under control at all times.

Muddy buddies

Our mud season is still around and the problem continues for the cattle. Surely farmers must have some dry areas for the cows to go? It's not much fun being stuck in mud.

Cupcake Day

Get those ovens fired up for Cupcake Day for the SPCA 2010! On Monday, 30 August, Cupcake Cooks will be descending in droves on their schools, workplaces and social groups with batch upon batch of deliciously decadent home-baked delights! Once every last crumb has been devoured and mixing bowls thoroughly licked clean, all proceeds from cupcake sales and donations will go directly to your local SPCA. If you're taking part in Cupcake Day, remember when using eggs in your cupcake recipe to choose barn or free range eggs. Coming Soon - Details about where to buy cupcakes on the day. Stay tuned to More FM for Cupcake Day updates!

Animal hols

It's time to remember holidays and plan for your pet. Get up to date with vaccinations, worming and flea treatment, and either book them into boarding establishments or seek good care givers.

Cat neutering

If you are planning to have your cat spayed or neutered, now is a good time. This year we have not had a break from kitten overload and this will continue in the coming months.

The SPCA will help in some cases. While we would love to be able to pay everyone's vet bills we do not have endless money and our fundraising efforts always need support. Projects designed to help animals are being planned. We would love to have a positive outcome for all the animals that come through our doors, so can you help?

Val Ball – Wairarapa SPCA President