Editorial: SPCA pins hopes on 'walkies'

Hastings SPCA is struggling to stay afloat financially.

Hawke's Bay Today reported on the organisation's money troubles two weeks ago, a story that resulted in a lot of people contacting the SPCA with offers of assistance.

While these have been appreciated, what the SPCA really wants is support for its fundraising "walkies" on Saturday.

The Twilight Pet Walk fundraiser at Hawke's Bay Racing Centre starts at 2pm, with walks around the track at 3pm and 5pm. Tickets are $20 at the gate.

After two years of management issues but now with a fulltime inspector and administration worker on the books, the SPCA is attempting to get back on its feet in Hastings.

That means reinvigorating fundraising efforts and repairing what is understood to have been a strained relationship with its Napier counterpart.

The people of Hastings, having donated money to build the SPCA shelter on the corner of Maraekakaho and Heathcote roads 12 years ago, do not want to see the organisation collapse locally.

There is a real need for animal rescue, welfare and re-homing in Hawke's Bay so it is in our interest to have strong, well-functioning branches of the SPCA across the region.

We can not expect council pounds and animal inspectors to fill the void should we find ourselves without adequate SPCA coverage.

The SPCA would like to see pet owners, indeed all animal-lovers, support the Twilight Pet Walk on Saturday.

The event is not just about dog walking as there will also be music, cultural entertainment, facepainting, bouncy castles and a colouring contest for the children, along with raffles and spot prizes.

If you can't make it but would like to donate to the SPCA, go to any HBS Bank branch and ask to transfer money into the Hastings SPCA fundraising account.