New SPCA community model for Ashburton

SPCA has made the decision to move to a community-focused model of delivering animal welfare services in the Southern Canterbury region. As a result of this service delivery change in the region, SPCA Ashburton will close from 31 October.

“This decision will ensure SPCA can continue providing the best possible care to animals in the Ashburton area for the foreseeable future,” says Dr. Corey Regnerus-Kell, GM: Animal Services.

“SPCA is focused on animal welfare, which is more than a building. By reallocating resources, we can deliver more targeted, flexible support to animals in need beyond traditional methods with high overheads retaining a fully operational shelter.”

SPCA will provide local support services that have the greatest impact for animals, through:

• A dedicated Community Support Officer (CSO) based locally to provide foster support, animal transfers to Timaru and Christchurch Centres, and community education.

• Ongoing care for sick, injured, abused, and vulnerable animals through SPCA’s long-term partners at Vetlife.

• Continuation of Inspectorate services to respond to urgent animal welfare concerns in the region.

• Increased investment in desexing programmes, preventing unwanted litters and supporting long-term animal welfare.

SPCA has seen particularly good results from this approach in other parts of the country.

“In Westport, moving away from a physical Centre allowed us to increase desexing, outreach, and community engagement, helping more animals,” says Corey.

“We expect similar positive outcomes in Ashburton.”