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THE WORK OF THE S.P.C.A.
WHAT IS THE SPCA?
The SPCA stands for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals.� It is set
up by people in the community who are interested in, and who want to do something about,
the welfare of animals.
It is a voluntary organisation which provides help to animals and owners 24 hours a day, 7
days a week, although the public should expect only genuine emergencies to be dealt with
outside 'normal' working hours.
HOW DID IT BEGIN?
It began in England last century at a time of great animal use - and abuse. � Animals
were used in many situations to provide power, 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.
HOW DID THE SPCA BEGIN IN NZ?
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 NZ act protecting animals.� By this time the
settlers had time to think of other things beside establishing the necessities of life,
and in 1882 the first SPCA was formed in Dunedin, quickly followed by the
other main centres.� Gradually smaller communities established their own SPCA's,
until today, in 1998, there are more than 50 individual SPCA';s
throughout the country.
HOW IS THE SPCA FUNDED?
The New Zealand SPCA is purely a voluntary organisation, receiving no
state funding whatsoever,� It relies for it's income on donations, bequests, and it's
own fundraising.
WHAT DOES THE SPCA DO?
Investigates all complaints of cruelty or neglect.��
Upholds the laws relating to the treatment of animals, and takes ����������������� prosecutions where necessary.
Assists animals in distress - lost, abandoned, injured, diseased, neglected, ill-treated, unwanted.
Re-homes suitable unwanted animals where possible.
Ensures that animal which cannot be kept alive, for whatever reason,are humanely euthanised.
Encourages and sustains an intelligent public opinion regarding man's duty to animals.
Educates the public, including children, on the care and needs of animals.
Promotes responsible ownership of animals, especially in animal population control.
WHAT ARE THE LAWS RELATING TO ANIMAL WELFARE?
The Act we work under in New Zealand is called the "Animals Protection Act
(1960)'.� It is a very wide ranging Act and deals with offences in the handling and
management of animals (including bids) in this country.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON OFFENCES?
Failing to provide an animal with adequate food, water, and shelter.
Deliberate acts of cruelty towards an animal.
Abandonment of an animal.
Failing to seek necessary Veterinary advice.
HOW CAN I HELP THE SPCA?
Always set an example yourself of kindness and thoughtfulness towards animals.
Join your local SPCA organisation and participate in it's activities.
Notify the SPCA of injured or suffering animals.
If you already belong to the SPCA, encourage others to join - finance and willing workers are always needed at the SPCA.
More information:
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TARANAKI BRANCH
���������������������������������� R.N.Z.S.P.C.A. (INC)
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