$23k raised for quake affected pets

A nationwide pet chain has raised $23,000 for earthquake-affected pets in Canterbury.

Animates will donate the money it raised to the Cats' Protection League, Dogwatch and SPCA Canterbury.

The company contacted its club members nationwide and advertised in-store, encouraging people to add a donation to their purchases.

General manager Richard Bowker said the majority of the funds came from customers outside of Canterbury.

The three animal welfare organisations will use the funds to care for pets surrendered by people whose homes have been affected and are no longer able to care for them, either temporarily or permanently.

After the first earthquake on September 4 the SPCA had more than 460 missing cats and dogs registered with its Track-a-pet service. This compares with 77 pets registered at the same time last year.

- NZPA