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Crayfish, crabs, rock lobster and kōura are sentient animals, meaning they can feel pain and distress, and they are covered by New Zealand’s Animal Welfare Act 1999. If these animals are captured, handled, transported and killed for human consumption, it is critical that this is done so humanely.

Puppy socialisation is the process of introducing a puppy to a variety of different experiences, environments, people, and other animals in order to help them become confident and friendly adult dogs.

​Kitten socialisation is the process of introducing a kitten to a variety of different experiences, environments, people, and other animals in order to help them become a confident and friendly adult cat.

This article covers useful information to consider when planning for the future for your pets. These are important things to consider, in case a time comes when you are no longer able to care for them.

Male deer (stags) grow and shed antlers each year. ‘Velvet antler’ refers to antlers that are still growing – during this stage, they are covered with a velvet-like covering of soft fine hair. While growing, velvet antler receives a full blood supply and contains nerve endings. In New Zealand, deer velvet is surgically removed from farmed red deer (wapiti) and is sold as a health supplement or traditional medicine and often exported.

Adoption events with reduced fees are proven to increase adoptions, but there are many myths surrounding the removal or reduction of those fees. As an evidence-based organisation, SPCA examines the research to explore these myths.

Kittens are one of the most vulnerable populations in our Centres but did you know that coming into the shelter straight away is not always in their best interests?

When the ban on livestock export by sea finally came into effect in April 2023 after decades of campaigning, people in New Zealand and around the world celebrated this significant milestone for animals. However, the Government and animal export industry representatives have been discussing bringing this cruelty back – this time under so-called ‘gold standard’ conditions. What does this mean, and why won’t it work?

While the live export industry can be secretive about conditions on-board, we can get glimpses of what it was like from brave veterinarians, Official Information Act releases, academic papers and government standards. Read on for more information and photos from New Zealand live export’s recent past. Warning: it doesn’t paint a pleasant picture.

Cats are beloved members of our families and communities. Whilst many cat owners are responsible and desex their cats, we have too many companion cats that are allowed to breed and have unplanned litters of kittens. Often, these kittens experience sickness and death with many needing help from SPCA and other cat rescues. These kittens can also end up as stray cats and further contribute to the cycle of cat overpopulation in New Zealand. Cat overpopulation is a problem for cat welfare and causes problems for our neighbours and wildlife. In this article learn how you can advocate locally for more responsible cat ownership.