Talk to the Animals
The SPCA is New Zealand’s biggest animal welfare charity and one that is close to the heart of the Giltrap Group.
Feb 1, 2018
The SPCA is dedicated to helping protect New Zealand’s animals who are neglected, abandoned or abused.
Every year, the SPCA’s 42 nationwide centres receive over 45,000 animals through their doors, as well as address 14,000 animal welfare complaints nationwide.
The SPCA’s mission is to improve the welfare of all animals in New Zealand. It works to achieve its mission in a number of ways, from nationwide desexing initiatives to reduce the number of unwanted pets, to working with schools to educate the next generation of animal owners.
Each member of staff – from dedicated veterinarians, animal attendants, volunteer and foster coordinators, Field Officers to SPCA Inspectors – work tirelessly to ensure the best outcomes for each and every animal who comes into the SPCA’s care.
The SPCA also upholds the Animal Welfare Act 1999, which related to the treatment of animals. The SPCA has the power to prosecute people under this Act and is the only charity in New Zealand entrusted to do this vital work.
As a charity, the SPCA receives no direct government funding. Instead, it relies on the support of the community to carry out its life-saving work.
The tireless work the SPCA performs has long been supported by the Giltrap Group. Over the years the Giltrap Group has donated four Volkswagen Transporter vans and a Volkswagen Amarok to the SPCA Auckland Inspectorate to enable its dedicated team to go about their varied tasks out and about in the community.
SPCA Communications Manager, Jessie Gilchrist, says the new vehicles are safer, more modern and more efficient than the previous vehicles the SPCA ran on their fleet.
The SPCA Inspectorate are on the frontline 365 days a year. They rescue animals, bring prosecutions against animal offenders in the courts, and work to educate people in their communities. There are 77 warranted Inspectors who are supported by field officers, drivers, and ambulance volunteers.
Also, a curriculum-aligned programme available to all primary and intermediate school teachers in New Zealand is managed by the charity. The programme gives free lesson plans for teachers to use in their classroom and educates children on animal welfare and caring for and respecting animals.
In all, SPCA staff and volunteers spend a lot of time on the road, helping protect animals in need.
To find out how you can donate and support the SPCA, visit www.rnzspca.org.nz
Words and images by Joe Bird