Animals in the wild

Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease, also known as Rabbit Calicivirus Disease, is caused by Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) is a highly contagious, usually fatal disease that can affect all domestic and wild rabbits.

The issue of pest control, poisons and how to humanely ensure our native species are protected is a very important one. SPCA often receives enquiries and feedback about our organisation’s position on this topic. We’ve created this article to help answer some of our most frequently asked questions.

Fish have the capacity to feel pain, fear and distress. They possess pain receptors, which are the hardware to detect if something is painful.

This summer as we explore and interact with our beautiful coastlines, rivers and lakes, we must remember that we have a duty of care to our wildlife and must take actions to protect them and their environment. This includes making sure fishing practices are responsible and sustainable.

The topic of cat management in New Zealand can be controversial and emotive. When discussing cat management, it is important to distinguish between feline categories, which hugely impact these discussions, and guide SPCA’s approach.

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.

Avian botulism is a paralytic neuromuscular disease in birds that is often fatal if not treated. Birds become sick by ingesting invertebrates, such as maggots, that have themselves ingested toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium thrives in shallow/stagnant waters where oxygen levels are low and nutrient levels are high.

Bird gel repellents are used to deter birds from roosting, perching, and nesting but often cause unintended suffering and death. SPCA advocates for restricting or prohibiting the sale and use of bird gel repellents because of the harm they cause.

SPCA advocates that pest management should cause the least harm to the fewest animals and be based on an actual problem rather than negative perceptions of an animal. Other important considerations for pest management are discussed in this article.

Feeding wild birds is a controversial topic. Many people love feeding wild birds and feel that they are helping them, but there are also many people who believe that people should not be feeding wild birds at all. Let us consider the potential harms and benefits.