WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH ...

6th May 2008

On Monday 5th May 2008 Inspectors at Auckland SPCA were issued with individually fitted anti-stab vests similar to those already worn on duty by the New Zealand Police.

These vests purchased from a supplier on North Shore and sourced from the UK are an unfortunate but necessary requirement for the increasingly difficult job an Animal Welfare Inspector is expected to perform within the Auckland SPCA region.

General Manager David Lloyd-Barker said, ”It is a sorry state of affairs that we have had to issue these vests but I would rather that than the alternative with one of the Inspectors being hurt.” He added, ”Unlike the Police, the Inspectors work primarily alone many times in remote areas. They have GPS tracking on their vehicles and radios, this is just an additional safety measure.”

Commenting on the move to this protective equipment SPCA Auckland Chief Executive Bob Kerridge commented that, "It is an indictment on the current climate in our society that such measures are needed, however the safety and security of our inspectors is paramount. There has been a disturbing trend of late, fuelled by alcohol and drug abuse, where our inspectors find themselves in aggressive situations which fully warrant our concern for their safety", he said. "Our inspectors are our front line when it comes to directly addressing animal abuse, and that in undertaking their enforcement duties that they themselves run the risk of physical abuse is not only disturbing but must be addressed."

For further information please contact:

David Lloyd-Barker

Auckland SPCA General Manager

Tel: (09) 256 7311

Mob: 027 278 0904

Email: david.lloyd-barker@spca.org.nz

 

This media release is issued with approval of the Chief Executive of the Auckland SPCA. For further information regarding this or any other policy matters please contact:

Bob Kerridge, Chief Executive

Auckland SPCA

DDI: (09) 256 7306

Mob: 0274 959 449

A/Hr: (09) 528 9940

Email: bob.kerridge@spca.org.nz