Frequently Asked Questions from kids

• What does the SPCA do?

• How is the SPCA funded?

• How can I help the SPCA?

• What facilities do SPCAs have?

• What are the most common offences?

• What are the laws relating to animal welfare?

• How did the SPCA begin?

What does the SPCA do?

• Investigate all complaints of cruelty or neglect

• Uphold the laws relating to the treatment of animals, and take prosecutions where necessary
  
• Assist any animals in distress - lost, abandoned, injured, diseased, neglected, ill-treated or unwanted
  
• Re-home suitable unwanted animals where possible
  
• Educate the public, including children, on the care and needs of animals
  
• Promote responsible ownership of animals, especially in relation to desexing

How is the SPCA funded?

The SPCA in New Zealand does not receive any government funding. It relies on bequests, donations and sponsorship.

How can I help the SPCA?

• Always set an example yourself of kindness and thoughtfulness towards animals
  

• Join yourlocal SPCAand participate in its activities
  

• Notify the SPCA of injured and suffering animals
  

• If you already belong to the SPCA, encourage others to join - finance and willing workers are always needed

What facilities do SPCAs have?

Facilities vary throughout the country from large complexes to a few cages in someone's backyard. Even where large complexes exist, the Society relies heavily on the work and assistance of volunteers.

What are the most common offences?

• Failing to provide an animal with adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary treatment
  
• Deliberate acts of cruelty towards an animal
  
• Abandonment of an animal

What are the laws relating to animal welfare?

The Act which controls animal welfare in New Zealand is known as the Animal Welfare Act 1999. It is a very wide ranging Act and deals with offences in the handling and management of animals.

How did the SPCA begin?

The SPCA began in England in 1824 at a time of great animal use - and abuse. Animals were used in many situations to provide labour, and blood sports such as bull-baiting and cock-fighting were common practice.The first law to protect animals was finally passed in 1822 after a long struggle by several people, in particular William Wilberforce, of anti-slavery fame, and Richard Martin, otherwise known as Humanity Dick. Two years later, in 1824, the Rev.Arthur Broome formed the SPCA in London, and these three men, and others, proceeded to take many prosecutions for breaches of the new Act.

Along with other things British, the early settlers brought with them the laws of England, and thus the English `Protection of Animals Act 1835' became part of our laws. This was replaced in 1878 by our first New Zealand act protecting animals. By this time the settlers had time to think of other things besides establishing the necessities of life, and in 1882 the first SPCA was formed in Dunedin, quickly followed by the other main centres, Auckland in 1883, and Wellington 1884. Gradually, smaller communities established theirlocal SPCA, until today there are more than 54 individual units throughout the country.

Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures -- Dalai Lama

FAQ

What is the SPCA?

The letters SPCA represent the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

It is a charity which provides help to animals and their owners in times of need.

Each SPCA runs its own affairs, and controls its own finances. The larger societies have some paid staff, but most rely completely on volunteers.

Each Society has one or more warranted Inspectors to enforce the Animal Welfare Act.