Whangarei SPCA hit by influx of animals before Christmas

Volunteer Rochelle Dunbar and Whangarei SPCA centre manager Andrea Honeybun with some of the kittens dropped at the centre that need a home. PHOTO/Tania Whyte

An influx of unwanted pets before Christmas saw 201 animals, mostly kittens, dropped at the Whangarei SPCA and staff are urging pet owners to have their cats desexed.

During two weeks before Christmas Day the animals offloaded included 130 kittens, 44 cats, 14 puppies, 11 dogs and two birds. Although some animals have found a home many are still waiting.

Whangarei SPCA centre manager Andrea Honeybun said it was crucial to have cats desexed. A female cat could have four litters in a breeding season.

"Some days we were taking 30 cats a day."

Mrs Honeybun said there were many reasons for the influx including people going on holiday and realising they couldn't take their pet with them.

The SPCA was bracing for another round of animals after Christmas when people realised they could not cater for a pet in their life.

All pets from the SPCA are health and temperament checked, desexed and vaccinated.

Summer also meant transporting pets was a major concern.

"If you can't take a dog out of a vehicle at the end of the trip you shouldn't be taking it. It only takes 10 minutes in a hot car for a dog to die."

And an unrestrained animal in a vehicle can be a distraction for the driver.

If there is a collision, the animal can injure itself, or someone else in the car. There are animal restraints.

Another tip was if the pavement or sand is too hot for human feet it will be too hot for the feet of your four-legged friend.

A quick check is to hold the back of your hand on the pavement for three seconds. If it is too hot to keep your hand there, then your pet shouldn't be out walking on it.

Hot pavements can burn the pads of your pet's paws, and can leave them sore, blistering and red.