SPCA - Motueka Branch
A little history...................
In early 19th century England, animals were used in many capacities.
Ponies and horses were used for transport, dogs and cocks were used for fighting and animals were kept as pets and for entertainment.
Along with the huge use of animals came an abundance of animal abuse - animals were thought of as “things” or “possessions” and often were treated badly.
In 1882 William Wilberforce (a man who fought against the human slave trade) and Richard Martin (also known as humanity Dick) decided they had seen enough animal abuse and managed to get a law passed through the English Parliament to protect animals.
Two years later the Reverend Arthur Broome formed the first SPCA in London and between them, the three men prosecuted many people for breach of their new act.
In 1840 the Society received Royal Patronage.
Early settlers to New Zealand brought with them the laws of England including the Protection of animals Act 1835.
This English law was replaced in 1878 by the first NZ law to protect animals.
The first New Zealand SPCA was formed in Dunedin in 1882 and was quickly followed by other main centres.
Currently there are over 50 SPCA Branches in New Zealand.
The SPCA Motueka Branch has an elected committee. This committee meets once a month and is responsible for making all decisions regarding finance and employment.
The centre is funded totally by donation and receives no government funding.
The cats in Motueka are cared for by one of the current committee members in her own home .
The branch currently has approximately 30 cats and kittens that are looking for new forever homes.
The committee is responsible for all decisions regarding the animals housed at the centre including their suitability for rehoming or their need to be euthanased (this is only done when there are no other options available).
A local Inspector investigates all complaints of cruelty and neglect, taking them to prosecution if necessary.
Functions of the SPCA include:
Investigating acts of cruelty and neglect
Liaising with civil defence in the case of an emergency
Assisting with public education - promoting responsible pet ownership this includes talking to children and other community groups both at the centre and in their classrooms and meetings.
Providing advice and assistance to owners who have lost their pets by way of a lost and found pet service
Caring for and rehoming animals that are handed in as strays or unwanted.
Working with Animal Control to re home stray dogs that are impounded .
As a national organisation, the RNZSPCA has been responsible for making the public aware of the plight of animals in industry, farming and entertainment.
Their campaigns against battery hens and sow stalls have increased public awareness and influenced consumers to purchase goods from free range animals.
Public concern has enabled the SPCA to petition Parliament to introduce laws that protect all animals in New Zealand and brings about change to the law as the need arises (for example changing the law to cover animals being abused by imigrants to New Zealand who in their home countries have very different ways of treating animals).