Latest from Animal Welfare

Animal cruelty link to violence prompts SPCA lessons

More than 100 schools across the country have signed up to an SPCA programme aimed at reducing animal abuse. Teachers can include

Farmer admits ill-treating cattle

Taumarunui's Kevin Groves has admitted leaving his cattle to starve to death on his rural property.

Safaris under threat without unsung heroes

The animals are the main attraction, but in many cases their very existence is under daily threat.

Twelve Questions with Apollo Taito

Apollo Taito is a sergeant in the NZ Army, an ambassador for animal rights organisation Safe and one of an estimated five Samoan vegans in the country.

Creating a wētā future

Under a full moon and clear skies on an unseasonably warm evening in late June, I am hiking across Otata Island in The Noises.

Birdlife 'covered' in diesel at city lake

A large diesel spill at Takapuna's Lake Pupuke has raised concerns for birds and wildlife.

Banned owner puts deposit down on puppy

Jennifer Layton was disqualified by the council of owning a dog for five years from October 2013, but after a third appeal that time has been halved.

Shark dies as tourists take selfies

Shocking footage has emerged of a shark being dragged out of the water so a group of tourists could take photographs with it.

Bear opens car door at Yellowstone

A family got a little closer to nature than they bargained for when a bear opened their car door at Yellowstone National Park.

What not to do in a national park

In a new Reddit thread, rangers reveal "the stupidest things they've ever seen a tourist do in a national park".

Tourists kidnap baby bison, then it dies

Despite your best intentions, it's probably not a good idea to put a wild animal in the back of your car - even if you're concerned it might be cold.

Paralysed kitten gets Lego wheelchair

Thanks to kindhearted vet staff, this curious kitten has found his feet again.

Piggery faces cruelty charges

A Waikato piggery is facing cruelty charges after 25 pigs were left injured in the alleged overcrowded site, while three had to be put down.

Lynley Tulloch: Habitat crowding lame excuse for duck hunting

COMMENT: As with all good stories there are two sides. In this case there is the duck and the hunter. I am interested in the duck's side, writes Lynley Tulloch.

Animal charity takes aim at TripAdvisor

Top travel website TripAdvisor has been accused of "profiting from the world's cruelest animal attractions" by an international animal welfare charity.

Error scuttles SPCA's charge

A farmhand did not face animal cruelty charges because a council wrongly said drowning possums was a humane way to kill them.

Catriona MacLennan: Goats are not captive lawnmowers

COMMENT: Catriona MacLennan asks, why does NZ not ban tethering? An outright ban would send a clear message about how goat welfare can best be protected.

Cartoon: Auckland's caged chicken farms

Caged Chicken Farms - and Auckland's skyline.