12 MARCH 2010: PET WATCH

LAME EXCUSES

We all need to watch our spending and this is being reflected in the number of cats that come into the centre each day.
Different reasons but when it all boils down it is the same excuse: We can't afford to feed it.

We guess this is always going to be a sign of the times and people do not plan to be broke. Life dishes out some hurdles too high to jump.

But the animals are the ones to suffer. It seems that they are disposable and while the SPCA is happy to assist with this situation we would rather leave the animal with its owners and assist in other ways. The centre is full of cats that have been abandoned. Some of them desexed and some of them real fat cats that someone must have owned. We would like people to be honest when signing in animals. There is no shame in honesty. Sorrow is a healer.

We will be starting our annual desexing campaign from the 1st of April. Vouchers will only be able to be purchased from the SPCA and the cost is $25. We are happy to have a new helper with this campaign in that South Wairarapa District Council have given us a grant to help out. So with the support of the Animal Hospital, Chapel Street, South Wairarapa Vets in Carterton, Martinborough and Featherston , plus the grant from Greater Wellington District Council and Masterton District Council  we can hopefully see no unwanted kittens born next season and gain some normality for a change.

Dogs needing homes

Jove:   a terrier cross medium size dog, 7mths.
Rusty: If it is a big dog you seek than look at him, He is a real goon. Rotti cross shepherd. Well mannered and good with children.
Bro and Bee: Both huntaways cross smithfields.
Feather: Huntaway cross, willing worker Just needs someone to train her.
Harley: Bit of anything, farm-type dog. Busy and loves company.

Pups.

1 very special cross mastiff Lab. Learning all good things as she rules the SPCA centre.

Cats and kittens
Many of all colours, ages and boys and girls to mix.
Just check us out. If you have lost a cat come in. We may not have matched it up with our lost and found book.
Centre hours  9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and weekend by arrangement. Phone 377-1912.

4 MARCH 2010: PET WATCH

ANIMALS IN TROUBLE

Every week the SPCA is asked to look after young birds that have been rescued from cats, the wind and other predators.
We do our best to raise them but it is a huge commitment for a volunteer and does not always work. Sometimes it is best to let nature take its own course.

Hedgehogs are just as vulnerable and we get several calls a week for these useful critters in need of help.

Our big concern is the ducks in the park and up at the lake. It would appear that last weekend youngsters were seen mistreating a duck and the duck needed to be put to sleep as a result of the injuries. We have all tamed the ducks and now they do not understand that people will hurt them.

Please, if you are up at the lake and see cruelty happening, say something to the person and then notify the SPCA.

Tethered animals again have been a problem this week. Any animal that is tethered must have access to shelter and to water and be in a position to not get tangled. It is important that they are checked regularly through the day and not just left to fend for themselves.

Much is being said about breeds of dogs and the aggression that each brings to our community. It is unfair to totally blame the dog. Any dog can react in a way that can cause damage to people and especially children. Sure, certain breeds are more inclined to do this but small children should always be under supervision around dogs, even the family pet.

 Dogs seeking Homes.

Jove is still here and he would just love time out. Not a big dog. Terrier cross
Harley  Huntaway cross busy but willing to learn.
Rusty   Here is a very big boy. Rotti cross shepherd with the gentle nature of a teddy bear. He is well trained and easy to handle.
Bee      Smithfield cross huntaway. 11mths could learn
Bro      Smithfield cross huntaway  11mths. Could learn. Good bark.

Puppy

Gabby   Mastiff lab cross.  Every so often we get a special pup in and Gabby has stolen the hearts of the SPCA volunteers. At 12 weeks she comes when called, seems to be house trained, sits for her food and is in general a very delightful pup.

Cats

We have so many cats that our rooms and cages are bursting. We have several older kittens    (discarded Christmas Kittens)
Many adult cats that have been just left behind. including one very large lovable cat from Makora Road. He is a tabby neutered male,
And the list goes on.

27 FEBRUARY 2010: PET WATCH

LOST PETS

We advertise daily on More FM about lost and founds pets, and we hold lists of lost and found pets for years.

We ask that people missing a cat come in to the centre and check out our cats in person, as everyone describes their colour differently . Maybe you have a special old cat that is much loved pet, but is not look in good physical condition but is OK provided it is looked after, then keeping it confined to your own home is important.

Cats that stray and are later found in sheds, garages etc and are bought in to the SPCA are all checked by our vet. If we feel that the quality of life is compromised because of the cat’s health then on the advice of the vet we take that step which is sadly in the best interest of the animal.

So leaving it for 9 days before looking for a lost 14yr old cat with health problems is a sad reflection on the owner.

We are open to the public from 9a.m to 4p.m and the phone is answered 24/7. The SPCA has had in excess of 100 cats come through the centre so far this year. Many of them are long term strays or Christmas kittens no longer wanted.

It would be so cool if people missing cats would just check the centre out. Talk to the school nearest to where you live, phone all the vet clinics, RING the SPCA or bring in a photograph. Email the SPCA a photo. Be proactive and don’t blame the SPCA if you leave it for too long and your cat has in its best interests been put to sleep. This is not done lightly, but is often the only option.

Our morning radio call is done by 9.30 most days so an early call to us will help.

18 FEBRUARY 2010: PET WATCH

ADOPT-A-THON

First off, a big thank you to the advertisers, the T/A staff and the Media Works team for the help with our Hills Pet Nutrition Adopt-a-Thon. We were happy with the results and we managed to re-home seven canine friends,14 cats and one rat.

It was a good effort. The only problem was that on Monday we had 14 cats and kittens come into the centre. All strong and healthy. It never ends. Hopefully, with our de-sexing campaign coming up soon, we will be able to reduce the numbers for next season. Remember your female cat will come into season and be ready for mating 21 days after the birth of her babies.

Farm Animals

We have had calls about farm animals that have been left to suffer fornop apparent reason. Surely it is in the interests of a farmer to keep his stock in good health and not suffering, especially when it is injured?

While it is not mandatory to shear sheep each year it is in best practice and again in the sheep's best interest. Fly blown sheep is a very unpleasant state for the sheep and not necessary if good husbandry practices are followed.

Disappearing cats

There have been reports of cats going missing in Kibberwhite Road, and it is a concern that they maybe being trapped in this area. If anyone has any information please phone the SPCA. There are four cats missing from around three houses. When there are more than one cat missing it is quite frightening to think about what might be happening.

Donations

If you would like to donate something to the SPCA remember the two-legged people who- look after the animals. They gift their time and energy for the welfare of animals that have been placed in our care.

12 FEBRUARY 2010: PET WATCH

HOT DOGS AGAIN

Sometimes I wonder if people ever think ahead when they go out in the hot sun and take their dog in the car with them. It is so hot some days, and the car can heat up very quickly. It is always a possibility that you could get caught up in what happened this week:

Dog locked in car, owner not well, dog distressed, and owner hard to find, owner finally located and dog released.

Dog OK, but without the help of the public it might not have been such a good outcome. So please leave your dog at home. Shelter is a problem when a makeshift kennel has been prepared and the dog cannot get into the shade or out of the weather. Often they are tied up without water near a tree or on a porch and get tangled up when there is nobody home to untangle the rope .

Dogs seem to be getting a raw deal of late and their welfare is the responsibility of the owners. A dog should be a friend and not just to be tied up, shut up and ignored. It is a part of a family.

Please take your pet ownership seriously and show you care.

Abandoned cats

The constant abandonment of cats is becoming a real issue and one that we will be seeking to follow through with complaints and prosecutions. It is not fair to the cat, the neighbours and to the SPCA. 3 cats were left on a property in Broadway Carterton. Owner gone, no forwarding address. These cats had all been well cared for and been de-sexed so why walk away?

Be responsible. Talk to us. We don't bite.