David Clark | Issue 14

David Clark | Issue 14

Otago SPCA

Otago SPCA’s area is the largest in New Zealand. It stretches from the Waitaki River north of Oamaru down into parts of Southland. The main buildings used to house and care for animals are in Opoho, not far from the Alhambra rugby fields.  

They have a small paid staff, but the organisation’s reach goes a long way beyond them. One hundred and fifteen volunteers do everything from dog walking to visiting the elderly in hospice. They provide education to children, supervise community service placements, work with Women’s Refuge to house animals temporarily displaced by domestic violence, and work with at risk and special needs people. Dozens of these volunteers are tertiary students. You may know one or two.

The SPCA also microchips, immunises, hospitalises, cares for, and re-homes animals.  

Caring for the vulnerable, including animals, is the mark of a humane society. Locally, this service is under threat. Buildings used to house animals are past their use-by date, and need replacing. Around $1.5 million is required to replace five buildings with three new ones. The existing animal buildings and laundry carry the threat of disease and must be sprayed regularly. They were fit for purpose when built 70 years ago. The new buildings will house educational facilities, storage and laundry, and dog and cat facilities.  

The SPCA is a not for profit organisation. It runs on the smell of an oily rag.  None of the board members are paid. Yet the organisation has professional obligations. It is obliged by law to prosecute animal abuses, but has no Government income to sustain that. Somehow it continues to do important work in and for our community.

Fundraising has begun in earnest with the first pledges coming in, but there is a long way to go. Without generous community support, the organisation will not be able to guarantee the safe and disease-free housing of animals in need, and will be obliged to close its doors.

Animal welfare is something that should concern every citizen. I am keen to support the SPCA as it sets about the task of replacing its facilities and would be keen to hear from any students (or staff!) keen to get involved in fundraising efforts. Ideas, and accompanying energy are welcomed. I look forward to hearing from you.

This article first appeared in Issue 14, 2016.
Posted 11:45am Sunday 10th July 2016 by David Clark.