Pets neglected in tough times

Tough economic times have resulted in more household pets being neglected and malnourished.

Tauranga SPCA operations manager Margaret Rawiri said the organisation took in 1650 animals last year - 250 more than the previous year.

She put the rise down to people being unable to afford to feed and care for their pets properly.

"People cannot afford their animals and they leave them with us," she said. "They tell us they've 'found them'."

Her comments come after Katikati woman Virginia Smith was this week sentenced to 75 hours' community work and banned from owning any domestic animal for five years after failing to get vet treatment for her critically ill cat.

The cat, named Possum, was seized by the SPCA in March with a deep tissue infection, broken femur and broken right hip. Its condition was so severe it had to be put down.

Mrs Rawiri told the Bay of Plenty Times more people were approaching the SPCA for help with vet bills and food for their pets.

"We do help the odd ones that are really struggling but we can't help everyone," she said.

The SPCA was also taking in more kittens and puppies as a result of people failing to get their cats and dogs desexed.

For the past two years, the SPCA had received puppies throughout the year, not just during the typical puppy season.

"We haven't had a break," she said. "We can't stress enough the importance of desexing your animal. There is a cost involved but it's a well-worth-it cost."

Centre staff were currently caring for about 20 dogs and puppies and 40 cats and kittens.

Animal welfare inspector Jason Blair expected an increase of, on average, a dog a week over the next couple of months with dog registration fees due.

The Tauranga SPCA received about seven welfare complaints a week.

When people took on the responsibility of caring for an animal they needed to consider the costs, including unexpected vet bills, he said.

"When you have got an animal that can't walk and is in extreme pain, you've got an obligation to alleviate it," he said.

While the SPCA would not turn away a badly injured animal, neither could it afford to provide a free vet service.

"We should be the last port of call, not the first choice," Mr Blair said.

But for extreme cases there were ways in which the SPCA could help, he added.

For instance, emergency pet food was available if owners were deemed by budget advisers to be in need.

"There are genuine people out there struggling," he said.