What the SPCA is:

The SPCA stands for the "Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals". It is a voluntary organisation set up by the people in the community who are interested in, and want to do something about, the welfare of animals.

History:

There have always been people who like animals and treat them with the respect and thoughtfulness they deserve - this has happened in all times and in all countries. But, there have always also been people who have treated animals harshly and thoughtlessly. It is the latter people who have brought about the need for the SPCA.

The New Zealand SPCA is modeled on the Royal Society for the Prevention Of Cruelty to Animals in Britain. This British society was founded in 1824 by the Rev. Arthur Broom, during the time of great animal use-horse trams, coaches, animals working as part of factories like machines, animals working deep under the ground in mines, and so on. In 1840, Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, permitted the use of the prefix "Royal" and from this time onwards the British SPCA became increasingly powerful.

In New Zealand the SPCA is headed by the Royal Federation of SPCA's. This is a group of people selected by all the SPCA organisations, who meet every three months or so to deal with matters concerning SPCA which have been brought to their notice by the societies throughout New Zealand. It is up to them to bring to the notice of the government, laws which need to be improved or made for the prevention of cruelty to animals in New Zealand.

New Zealand is covered by approximately 50 societies from North Auckland to Southland. Each of these societies does its best to oversee the welfare of the animals in the area it serves.

Aims:

The main objective of the SPCA is perhaps contained in it's motto - "we speak for those who cannot speak for themselves". The people involved try to promote kindness to animals and prevent or suppress cruelty to them. They do not ask people to treat animals like human beings, but they do ask that people who have animals, whether they be in the country on farms, or in the cities and towns, whether they be domestic pets or farm animals, provide and care for them to the best of their ability.

An animal taken by a person, often from its natural and wide surroundings, then becomes completely dependent on that person for its food and shelter. Thus, it is up to the person to make it their business to see that the animal is fed and housed properly and adequately. Because people will often not face up to their responsibilities over animals, an SPCA becomes necessary.

The Role of the SPCA in the Community

An Otago SPCA committee is elected each year through an annual general meeting. This committee consists of a patron, a president, a secretary, a treasurer, 2 or more vice-presidents and about 10 committee members. This committee, which meets monthly, looks after the affairs and business of the society.

Animal Welfare Act: To back the SPCA in its work in the year 1960 an Animal Protection Act was passed by the government. This was replaced in 1999 by the more up-to-date Animal Welfare Act. People who break any part of the Act are liable to prosecution, just the same as if they break any other law of the land.

This Act has only been made to protect and foster better treatment of animals. Anyone who treats their animals with respect and kindness need have no worries. But people who are thoughtless and unnecessarily cruel need to pay heed - they never know just who may be watching them or how easy it is for someone to contact the SPCA about them.

Investigation of Complaints: When someone has a complaint to make to the SPCA they usually contact the Inspector or the Secretary, or someone connected with the society. Details of the complaint are taken and the SPCA inspector investigates. All inspectors hold warrants being authorised by the government and have the right to go on a property and into out-houses where a complaint has been made. They investigate the situation and contact the owners of the animals if this needs to be done. If there is definite cruelty involved the people concerned are given a warning and if nothing is done about the situation at the end of a certain time a prosecution may be taken. In the case of downright cruelty, often where an animal has been killed, maimed or starved to death, a prosecution may be taken without a warning being given.

Education: Many complaints are received each day, such as dogs being chained up all day, dogs with no proper shelter, goats without shelter or access to water, dogs and horses that may be wandering round with injuries and abandoned animals. Often, in these types of cases, the Inspector's job becomes more one of education. Teaching people how to care for animals and instructing them as to animals' needs. Through this sort of education the SPCA tries to prevent and discourage cruelty and harsh, thoughtless treatment of animals and to promote good animal care.

In Summary:

Role of the SPCA:

(1) Investigate complaints of cruelty-to prevent and suppress cruelty;

(2) Uphold the Animal Welfare Act.

(3) Educate people to be kind and thoughtful towards animals.

(4) Promote the Five Freedoms' for animals:

• Freedom from hunger, thirst and malnutrition
• Freedom from discomfort and inadequate shelter
• Freedom from disease and injury
• Freedom from distress and pain
• Freedom to display normal behaviour

(5) Provide a useful service in the community:

• Assisting people with animals problems
• Assist with stray cat and dog problems in conjunction with the DCC.
• Education-through community organisations or courses e.g. Duke of Edinburgh Award, Scout and Guide movements, Schools, etc.

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