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. Call 377 1912.
We provide a pet link service for lost and found pets. We investigate claims of animal cruelty.
25 JANUARY 2012: PET WATCH
ANGRY DOGS
This past week the news has been dominated by reports of dog attacks.
Why does it happen?
It happens either because people do not know how to deal with anger, or they do not understand the behaviour of dogs. A dog's way of dealing with situations is to bark, bite, attack or to run and hide. A dog will normally give a warning before it attacks.
Keeping dogs and children safe means owners and parents have to be aware.
Letting a child with food in hand roam around the dog is asking for trouble. So is playing with a ball, when the dog wants to play too.
Dogs attack when the circumstances they find themselves in are challenging and fear overcomes faith and trust. Therefore if people want to have a dog in their lives they need to be aware of the responsibility, they need time to train both themselves and the dog, they need time to understand what sort of dog will suit the family lifestyle. There are many other expectations that must be met for good dog ownership.
A dog is a friend and a faithful one which will stand by you whatever the situation, but its behavioural needs have to be considered. The dog should not be a victim of its response to something that could be avoided if parents take responsibility for keeping children safe. Please parents, keep your children safe by respecting your dog.
Dog Foster homes
We are seeking to have some time-out foster homes for some of our dogs. This gives the dog something else to do, and helps us find out different things about the dog and its needs or learned behaviour. We need people who have a passion for our canine friends but are not able to offer a full time placement. Come in and talk with the dog volunteers.
Thoroughbred horses
We have in our care two thoroughbred horses that need good homes. They are both in good condition and need very capable riders, or it could just be a paddock mate.
Rabbitses
We also have two female rabbits to re-home and also a young male. White and black. Pretty and tame.
Booking policy
We will not be accepting any animals that have not been pre-booked.
Dogs needing homes
Iah Rotti x female 10mths old, needs some one on one but will settle.
Honey: Lab cross 10mths. Lovely dog with a family, needs room,
Stevie: Lab 10 mths. Not sure what he is crossed with.
Moki: Staffy/foxy cross 3years old. Good family dog. Not big.
Puppies
Roxy/Karn Rotti cross 10 weeks.
Zak/BB Lab Huntaway, 10 weeks
and 5 lab cross maybe mastiff. 7 weeks old
Cats and kittens needing homes
Many adult cats, some longhair delightful felines.
Kittens of all ages and colours.
Centre hours
Centre hours are 9a.m to 4p.m Monday to Friday and weekends by arrangement. Phone 377-1912.
Val Ball – Wairarapa SPCA President
20 JANUARY 2011: PET WATCH
THE CAT CAME BACK
Another New Year, and as of the 12th of January we had had 33 cats and kittens in.
That was a good start as they will all be de-sexed before re-homing. While the centre is full, we will always offer help as long as people can hold off. We will assist with food and seek to bring the kittens in as soon as possible.
We also suggest that the mother cat be spayed, as the SPCA should be the last resort to disposing of unwanted kittens. Saving lives is high on our priorities list, as well as spay/neutering to save lives that way. No breeding is the key to this, so let's all be responsible.
Moving house
We have had calls about cats returning to their old homes after a family shift. Best way to shift a cat is to move it to the new home before anything else, then put it in a room that can be shut up. Leave a note on door that the cat is there. Shift the furniture and then when everything is in place and the new house is quiet, let puss out.
Familiar furnishings and smells and a set routine should help.
Talk to your new neighbours and advise them what your cat looks like. Keep puss inside until it is settled and you have time to accompany it outside. Let it roam, then call it back to you.
It will take a little time for the cat to adjust and settle. If it is a nervous cat, spend some money and place it in a cattery for a few days while the shift is happening. This can also be a time for the cat to chill out.
Shifting house is one of the biggest stresses in life for both people and cats. They have established a neighbourhood territory as theirs and a new one will have its own feline community so the new cat on the block will have a difficult time settling in. Just give it that time.
Second Chance of Love
We are in the planning stage of this campaign, to be held in the second weekend in February. This is a time to help the SPCA reduce numbers and give an animal a second chance of love. The weekend is sponsored by Hills Pet Nutrition, which is the major New Zealand SPCA supplier.
Dogs needing homes
The centre has had a real quiet time with our dogs and the New Year has been great, but all good things come to an end and we again have full kennels. Most of the dogs are yet to be made ready for adoption, so no list today.
But there is Honey a spayed bitch of cross lab/ possible farm dog. She is a busy girl who has had some time put into her and would suit a rural property and maybe some work to do.
Iah is a young rotti cross huntaway. Lovely girl.
Because of the room situation we are asking that people do not just turn up with dogs, cats, kittens or pups but actually phone in first and make a time. This way we can have the person who works with that area able to sort out a place for the animal to go. We will not accept unbooked animals from 17th of January.
Cats and kittens
All colours, sizes, ages and many of our older cats just needing a time out place.
Hours
Centre Hours 9a.m to 4 p.m Monday to Friday, and weekends by arrangement. Phone 3771912 for all animal emergencies after hours.
Val Ball – Wairarapa SPCA President
1 JANUARY 2011: PET WATCH
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Wairarapa SPCA would like to thank all of our friends and supporter over the past year, and we wish them a Happy 2012.
That goes for all of the animals that we found homes for in 2011.
15 DECEMBER 2011: PET WATCH
M FOR MARY?
The Christmas story tells us Jesus was born in a stable surrounded by animals, so what better time than Christmas to give thanks for them?
The story about the letter M, the mark of Mary, on the forehead of cats is well known in the cat world. Mary, the story goes, reached down and touched the forehead of the cat beside the crib of Jesus. Believe it or not, but check your cat's forehead and you will find the mark.
Annual statistics
In 2011 the SPCA received 1027 animals. 414 were no longer wanted, 226 were abandoned, and 170 were strays. These are just statistics on which the SPCA has made its own mark. Other reasons for animals to come in to our care are through the Inspectorate, when animals have been neglected and abused.
Fifty-nine animals have come in through the Inspectorate arm of our work . Six of them were horses, but most were dogs and pups and cats and kittens.
These statistics are as of the 14th of December. The centre is already full, but no doubt we will increase our numbers by year’s end.
Thanks to our professional supporters
The support from our Wairarapa vet clinics, Animal Hospital, Chapel Street, and the three South Wairarapa clinics has been fantastic and many community animals have received care that they would not normally have received. Thank you. We also appreciate the help from the three regional dog control rangers. Masterton Police have also been there when we have needed them, as have the police in the Tararua area.
We say thank you to all those people.
Can you help?
It is time for us to think ahead to 2012. The SPCA committee has dreams and plans. We need an extra isolation unit for cats and kittens, more space for the dogs to play, a new area for the Inspectors to meet and operate from, an educational area for school visits, pay packets for some of the hard working volunteers, a sponsor for advertising, or the monthly phone bills ... There are so many ways you can help. It is just a case of knowing who to tap on the shoulder and ask. If you feel you could contribute in some way then give us a call on 377 1912.
When we speak of sponsorship we must always remember RNZSPCA national Sponsor Hills Pet Nutrition: thankyou.
On the animal front, we have a lovely black lab cross female that was found at Tullochs last weekend. She has given birth to 6 pups and so far we have nobody coming forward to claim her. Many animals come our way from people who have walked away from pets. The pets do not forget...
Animals give something hard to define Unconditional love and forgiveness. Have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and welcome the New Year with a positive attitude.
Dogs needing homes
Marco: German Shorthair pointer. Needs a home where he can be of use. He is focused on having fun and enjoys the company of other dogs.
Iah: Rotty cross huntaway. Family dog which needs to be the No 1 pet.
Deno: Lab crossed with whatever caught mum's eye. He is a real pet. 9mths old. One of the abandoned dogs. Loves to please.
Maddie: Lab cross Busy little pleaser. Gets on with other dogs and loves a walk.
There are others, so check us out.
Puppies
Fergie: Border collie cross happy well adjusted to a houseful of other animals. 4mths. \
Mocka and Milo: Cross breed maybe sharpei busy boys born to be loved and have been well socialised.
Cats and kittens
Plenty kittens of all ages and sizes. Mother cats now spayed and and ready to have a life of their own.
Christmas hours
Centre hours over the Christmas break will be by arrangement. The phone will be diverted to a duty Inspector. Phone 377-1912.
Vet clinics and other relevant Christmas break phone numbers
24th and 25th Animal Hospital phone 3789988
26th and 27th Chapel Street phone 3782662 and wait for the duty cell phone number.
South Wairarapa: phone 3796767 and wait for the Cell phone number.
SPCA: phone 3771912 and please let’s keep it to emergencies only.
Dog Control Problems: phone the Masterton District Council after hours number 3787752. Carterton Council 021664 533 and South Wairarapa 027 412 737.
Val Ball – Wairarapa SPCA President
09 DECEMBER 2011: PET WATCH
DONATE THIS CHRISTMAS
When thinking about what to give someone who has everything, why not spare a thought for some of our animal rescue centres and sanctuaries?
There are many around the world that need donations, and gifting money to them will always help. These are places where animals are rehabilitated after being removed from situations where they are suffering. They are often run by volunteers, who gift their time to save species. Often the animals have been abused and used in ways that are beyond belief.
The SPCA is also a place for donations to help our own animal needs. Remember, any money donated to the Wairarapa SPCA stays right here.
Thanks to our friends
We want to take this opportunity to thank the many businesses that have supported the SPCA’s newspaper pages through the year. It is a real help as often the photo of a cat will bring in a lost owner. Happy endings are all special. Without this support we would find it hard to re-home our pets.
There are many other ways that we have been supported by the community with advertising sponsorship, donations of food, vouchers, products to raffle, and many other ways. We must not forget the volunteer hours done by the SPCA team and the vet practices, Animal Hospital, Chapel Street Vet Centre and the three South Wairarapa Vet Clinics. Their support has been very important, and the welfare of animals has been paramount.
De-sexing Caravan
The Royal Society's de-sexing caravan will be in its last week and we have still some gaps to fill. It would be great to think that the Wairarapa has 250 animals that will not produce offspring. Thank you for being responsible.
Keeping our pets safe is an ongoing issue. Dogs on the backs of utes need to be secured, not left roaming around. It is unsettling for drivers in vehicles behind such utes.
Fencing Foals
Fencing of paddocks must also be secure. We received a call over the weekend regarding a young foal that had escaped its paddock, was on the road and could not get back. So be aware, and be responsible
Center Hours
Centre Hours are 9a.m to 4p.m Monday to Friday and weekends by arrangements Emergency calls only after hours please. Phone 377-1912.
Val Ball – Wairarapa SPCA President
30 NOVEMBER 2011: PET WATCH
SUMMER IS BACK!
Summer is here, we're told, and with it comes lots of sunshine and lots of problems for our animal friends.
Shelter issues, fly strike in our sheep (and also with dogs if they are tied up for long periods in long grass areas), heat issues if they are without shade and let's not forget dogs cooking in vehicles.
It's time to reflect on how best to handle each situation. Keeping drinking water clean and out of the sun don’t leave food out for the flies (and be particular about BBQ leftovers for your canine friend.
If you are planning on taking your dog to a river, check out the area first, make sure it is dog- friendly and that the water is clean and healthy. Check for signs and read them. It may be that the river is contaminated and not safe. There maybe rubbish in the river. Be aware of all dangers and be respectful of others and their pets.
Spay Neuter caravan
Bookings are still available for the spay/neuter caravan but the schedule is filling up quickly, so get in and take the chance on saving lives by helping animals to not be born. Sounds silly, but when you spend time at the SPCA you realise how few homes there are, how many animals are seeking homes ... then the reality kicks in. Why should the SPCA be the one to sort the problem?
… But yes, we are seeking kittens that have been born, so as we can re-home them under a de-sexing contract, with vaccination as part of adoption.
We do not accept that having animals killed because we are too full is an option and hate being placed in this situation. Our volunteers work very hard to do the best possible job with the animals and when we get too full then we end up with health issues. As a result staff get stressed and the animals get sick.
Hours
Centre Hours are 9a.m to 4p.m Monday to Friday and weekends by arrangements Emergency calls only after hours please. Phone 377-1912.
Val Ball – Wairarapa SPCA President
24 NOVEMBER 2011: PET WATCH
DOG BITES
Many calls relate to complaints or concerns about barking dogs, roaming dogs and dog attacks.
We advise callers to call the council first, because it is their responsibility to look into the situation. If there is an animal welfare problem - then we are called in to attend.
Some may feel that we are fobbing callers off, but our catchment area is huge, not just Masterton. Our inspectorate extends from Featherston to Woodville. So if you are asked to call the council first it’s not because we don’t care, but because it is not our job. The welfare issues that concern us relate to underfed animals, animals in poor living conditions and condition, animals which are abandoned, beaten, injured or sick and have not been attended to by a vet.
If a person calls in a complaint anonymously then we are under no obligation to tell them of the outcome. We may have just given advice, or taken the animal(s) away. We will not always do what the caller wants, because we have our own rules and boundaries within which we must work.
De-sexing caravan
Calls and bookings for the de-sexing caravan have been coming in fast, but we still have room for more cats. Our dog space has been filled, but we may still be able to help. Give us a call.
This is a chance to save lives and be responsible. If your cat has had kittens and is still feeding them, we can have her spayed towards the end of the time the caravan leaves. The caravan will be at the SPCA from the 3rd until the 21st of December, so be in.
Kittens
Our kitten room now has kittens ready for adoption and we still have some adult cats to find homes for. Our dog numbers are huge and many more on our waiting list. Again, give us a call.
Pets are NOT presents.
We do not advocate a pet for Christmas unless the recipient agrees and is happy to have a pet. The responsibilities are high and this must always be taken into account. People assume we have our busiest time around Christmas, but that is not the case. Christmas is quiet.
It is after Christmas that we get busy. Gifts not wanted, too busy, the kids don't want it, and so the sob stories continue. A pet is for life, not just for Christmas.
Walkies?
Are you a person who enjoys walking and would like to have an occasional canine companion? We have many dogs that would love a walk with someone, a chance for some one-on-one time. Please, if this is you, then make contact with the centre and come in and meet the dogs.
Foster cats and kittens
We would also like to hear from people who could foster mother cats and kittens for us, or even donate a couple of hours a week to help out in the centre. Our cat rooms will be full soon and many hands make light work.
Hours
Centre Hours are 9a.m to 4p.m Monday to Friday and weekends by arrangements Emergency calls only after hours please. Phone 377-1912.
Val Ball – Wairarapa SPCA President
10 NOVEMBER 2011: PET WATCH
IT'S A DOG'S LIFE
There are many situations where volunteers have hard days, for example when a dog or cat must be put to sleep to release it from its suffering. Then there are the days when the best thing possible happens and we celebrate the adoption of an animal in our care.
This is the most rewarding part of our job - the chance to see a positive outcome. It is also exciting when people bring in a dog they adopted as a pup and we see that the relationship is great and the dog is now a much loved pet.
Keeping in touch with our dogs is special and we really enjoy successful adoptions, so bring them by and say hello!
Kitten season help wanted
With the kitten season nearly on top of us we need help - good foster homes for mother and babies, or even just for the young kittens that come in without a mum. The SPCA will provide for all the needs of the felines, and we will give regular support. We have foster application forms at the centre. Please help us be positive in our aim to save lives.
Desexing Caravan dates
The National Desexing Caravan will be at the SPCA centre from the 5th of December. Bookings can be made now. If you live in Featherston then we will be bringing in cats from there on Wednesday December 7th and Wednesday December 14th. Carterton will be the 5th, 8th, 9th. Greytown and Martinborough 6th and the 12th. Masterton will be all the dates if there are not enough responses from down the valley.
The cost is a donation. Your cat will also be microchipped and registered on the Companion Animal Register. This service is for those who have Community Cards and cannot afford to have their animals de-sexed. It is a chance to be responsible. Give us a call and we will give you all the details.
Gala Day thanks
To those who contributed to our gala day - a big thank you.
Hot Dog hell
We are still getting calls regarding dogs in cars. Please, we do not want to be the ones who have to free your dog , so leave it at home. It might start off a cool morning but the day warms up fast and a problem develops. Spare your dog the distress and yourself the embarrassment of a public announcement, or having an inspector or police officer force their way into your vehicle.
Hours
Centre hours: 9a.m to 4p.m Monday to Friday and weekends by arrangement. Phone 377-1912.
Val Ball – Wairarapa SPCA President
