In custody but Tango needs love

Mount Community Constable, Erin Senior at the SPCA with the pup she saved. Photo / John Borren

Police rescued an injured puppy from a Tauranga home after a tip off the animal was being abused by its owner.

The SPCA kennels are overflowing with puppies needing adoption including one rescued by police.

Tango, an 8-week-old pitbull terrier cross, was rescued by new Mount Maunganui community constable Erin Senior when she responded to a 111 call last week.

A Mount Maunganui resident called police to inform them she could hear what she believed was a puppy being assaulted.

Miss Senior, a self-confessed animal lover, and another officer were nearby when the call came in so responded and seized the puppy.

Tango was immediately taken to the vet for medical treatment before being taken to the SPCA.

Tauranga SPCA inspector Jason Blair said the puppy was badly injured but there would be no lasting effect.

Mr Blair was still investigating the case to determine whether to prosecute.

"The puppy has been surrendered to the SPCA," he said. Tango would continue to recover in foster care until he had been neutered and given the all clear for adoption.

"He's really sociable, friendly and happy. He's looking at a full recovery," Mr Blair said.

Ms Senior said Tango's experience was a reminder of how important it was for people to call the police quickly if they heard or saw anything suspicious.

"It's across the board. It could be any type of crime," she said.

"See something, say something."

Mr Blair said the SPCA also relied on information from the public.

"Without that phone call being made there was a chance the puppy could have still been in the house with untreated injuries."

The SPCA had about 14 puppies housed in kennels on site and another 22 in foster care waiting for space to become available at the shelter.

"That's quite high," Mr Blair said. "It just seems to be that time of year."

But kitten season was coming to an end, he said.

All the kittens could now be housed at the SPCA site while at the peak of the season there were about 120 kittens in foster care.

Contact Tauranga SPCA on (07) 578 0245 to inquire about adopting an animal.