Jess reckons she's found doggy heaven

Rescue dog Jess with Wanganui SPCA manager Val Waters, is one of dozens rescued in the region every year. PICTURE/BEVAN CONLEY

Seventh-month-old Jess thinks her enclosure at the Wanganui SPCA is heaven.

Manager Val Waters said the lively, friendly dog of uncertain parentage had been rescued by the SPCA from her former owners because of welfare issues.

For the past two weeks she's been living at the SPCA's London St headquarters in a large enclosure with room to run around and plenty of food and water.

"She thinks she's died and gone to heaven here," Mrs Waters said.

Wanganui SPCA rescues dozens of dogs like Jess every year - as well as other neglected or abused animals - and you can help by giving to the SPCA's annual appeal, which is being held this week.

Mrs Waters said collectors would call door-to-door in some areas of the city, and there would be stalls where people could make donations at Trafalgar Square, Aramoho shopping centre, and Wanganui East shopping centre.

During the past year Wanganui SPCA dealt with more than 350 cases of cruelty and neglect of animals.

"While the majority of complaints concerned the welfare of dogs - lack of shelter, water, exercise, and in some cases lack of food - we also dealt with a variety of other animals, from domestic pets to farm animals," Mrs Waters said.

The organisation doesn't receive any government funding and relies entirely on donations and fundraising for income.

The area covered by the charity includes not only the Wanganui urban area, but also Bulls, Marton, Hunterville, Raetihi and Waverley. So investigating cases of animal neglect or cruelty can involve a lot of travel, Mrs Waters said.

As for Jess, while she's happy at the SPCA, Mrs Waters is hoping she'll find a permanent home eventually.

"Once she's been spayed, we'll start looking for a nice new owner for her."