Need to complete SPCA animal shelter gains urgency
True cat lovers: SPCA volunteers Faye Brownlie and Marilynn Hill with two of their young tenants. Photo: Ina Holst.
The Golden Bay SPCA is embarking on a major fundraising exercise. With 28 cats waiting in the wings, the need to complete its new shelter was getting rather urgent, said the SPCA’s secretary Faye Brownlie.
A large shed, set on concrete foundations and located behind the showgrounds, is to become the shelter’s new home, yet the organisation is short of some $30,000 to finish the building to a suitable standard.
“We still need to line the shed, build a concrete pad in the front, and an enclosure. We can connect to water and electricity quite easily but we need to sort out the drainage and sewerage connection, and for that we have to go back to the council and find out exactly what is required. We have some cages that were donated to us but we still need a few more,” said Faye.
Three years ago the SPCA shelter shifted into Faye’s backyard as a temporary measure. But, with the busy winter season approaching, the animals’ needs are beginning to outgrow the current setup.
A new committee has been formed and was keen to get the new shelter underway, said Golden Bay SPCA president Marilynn Hill. Local tradespeople had been very supportive but the shelter project had come to a grinding halt because of the unresolved sewage disposal requirements and lack of funds, which was “extremely frustrating”, she added.
The day-to-day running of the SPCA takes priority and is a costly and labour-intensive undertaking.
“We need about $1000 a month to operate. This includes vet costs, cleaning and food requirements. We are obliged by law to give medical attention to any animal if it is wild or domesticated, and we need to provide adequate care regardless if it is a chook or a rabbit,” said Marilynn. “We don’t get national funding so we have to seriously campaign for funding. Any donation over $1000 will be awarded a plaque as an acknowledgement and we even name a cat after the donor if they wish.”
Finding new homes for animals is not an instant solution either, the SPCA volunteers said, as it takes time and preparation to rehome the cats.
“We have to domesticate them first, and if a cat is clearly wild we cannot keep it. If they are under 12 weeks old they can be tamed and successfully rehomed.” Every cat will also be desexed, Faye said.
“We cannot take dogs because currently we don’t have the facilities. All the stray or lost dogs will have to go over the hill.” The new shelter may be able to accommodate dogs, Faye added.
The SPCA is inviting all those interested in animal welfare, and anyone wanting to become a member or just a supporter, to their AGM at the Junction on 22 June at 5pm.
For further information contact Faye Brownlie on 525 7077 or Marilynn Hill on 525 6101. Financial donations can be sent to PO Box 140, Takaka Post Office. A basket for pet food donations is at the Fresh Choice.
Ina Holst
