Homeless puppies overwhelm SPCA

HOT STUFF: Pets at Rotorua's SPCA are struggling with the heat. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

The tail end of puppy season is keeping the Whakatane SPCA busy this summer.

Branch president Vicki Barnard said the agency has been struggling to re-home the large number of dogs it had received.

"We have done a lot of work with people about not leaving puppies out in the woods, so now they bring them to us."

She said dog owners still needed to listen to de-sexing messages.

"We need to do more work with the dogs."

SPCA branches around the North Island said the biggest issues this summer were dogs left in cars and unwanted kittens and puppies.

Most people love their pets, but they can make bad decisions about their care, said SPCA chief executive Ric Odom.

De-sexing animals, especially cats, is a necessity for owners, said Mr Odom.

"It's the responsible thing to do. We have such a problem in New Zealand with unwanted animals."

Mr Odom said the advice about dogs and cars was simple.

"Do not leave your animal in the car on a summer's day."

He said people may only intend to be away from their car for a short time but there was every chance of being held up by any number of circumstances.

"Then they come back to find their pet severely distressed or worse."

All animals - but especially dogs - needed a lot of water and could easily overheat.

Mr Odom said the majority of New Zealanders were responsible owners and some people just needed a bit more pet care education.

"Most people treat their animals really really well," Mr Odom said.