''Ninety per cent of animals that end up at the Tauranga SPCA are either dumped or abandoned."
That is a sentence that I have spoken a hundred times to thousands of students and adults.
It is the first real insight into what actually has occurred in our animals' lives and why they are with us. This is followed with "By the end of this year the Tauranga SPCA will have taken in close to 3000 animals".
People are shocked and rightly so.
While it is a tragic fact that some animals arrive beaten and starved, thankfully they are a minority.
The majority are healthy, well fed, and with lovely temperaments.
These facts speak volumes, they have been fed and cared for and yes, even loved.
They simply are not wanted any more.
We have heard every reason under the sun and only a few are real and genuine with situations that are truly unmanageable for them to keep their animal.
In that situation our hearts are moved and we are only too happy to help.
Mostly it is because they have taken an animal into their household with little thought to the consequences of the responsibility and dynamics an animal brings to your life.
And sometimes it is truly incomprehensible what some people verbally offer forth, given that they have actually owned the animal for most of its life.
They want to give it to us, or to anybody for that matter, for reasons that are so petty, situations and issues that can easily be worked out or changed to reach a positive outcome. Dare I say it, yes I will, truly selfish reasons indeed.
How can you have a pet for years and just turn your back on it?
It is our million dollar question.
Does anyone have free mornings for dog walking or perhaps free afternoons to help staff at the SPCA? Please come and see us.
Nicolle Smith is the SPCA Education Officer for the Western Bay of Plenty. You can contact her on 07 578 2784.
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