Shelter braces for rain of cats and dogs

The SPCA says warm, humid days mean the kitten season has started early this year. Photo / Natalie Slade

More than 19,000 abandoned and neglected animals have passed through Auckland's SPCA shelter this year - a 7 per cent increase on last year's figures.

And the organisation is preparing for up to 150 animals to arrive every day during the holiday season.

Operations manager Tracy Dunn said the SPCA was often the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff.

"It would be great to see people taking responsibility and having their pets desexed to avoid the constant overpopulation of unwanted animals that we deal with every Christmas," she said.

The Weekend Herald today starts its annual Adopt Me series. Each day through summer, an animal available for adoption at the SPCA's Mangere shelter will be featured.

Throughout December, the Auckland SPCA has already been inundated with cats and kittens. Warm temperatures and high humidity meant that the kitten season started early this year, said Ms Dunn.

Many of the kittens that were in foster care in early December will now be ready for adoption.

SPCA Auckland executive director Bob Kerridge said people needed to be very aware of their animals during the holiday period.

"People may be relaxed and partying, but animals need and deserve continuing care throughout the summer."

Mr Kerridge said having a surplus of unwanted animals was always a painful challenge.

"No matter how long you've been in the game, it always hurts. When will we win this battle? When will people not discard their animals?"

The SPCA worked tirelessly to ensure that the animals at the shelter found happy new homes, Mr Kerridge said.

Factors such as lifestyle and animal experience were considered in order to place the right animal in the right home.

A recent SPCA survey revealed that about 80 per cent of people saw their animal as part of the family.

Mr Kerridge said he agreed.

"Animals play a huge part in our lives and as such they deserve to be treated with love and respect."