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​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.

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.

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.

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.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

During extreme weather scenarios such as flooding, it is vital for households to be prepared in the case of an emergency. Prepare to best care for your animals during these stressful times.

Under the Animal Welfare Act, use of animals in research, testing and teaching (RTT) is only permitted for an organisation or person who has a Code of Ethical Conduct (CEC) approved by the Government. An organisation or person with a CEC must set up a special committee called an Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) to review any proposed use of animals in RTT. Use of animals can only happen if approved by an AEC.

SPCA is opposed to the use of virtual fencing technology for farmed animals that relies on aversive training techniques.

​SPCA opposes the farming of cattle in feedlots.

​SPCA is concerned about the welfare harms and death of lambs as a result of early lambing that is scheduled to take place during winter or spring, when temperatures may cause thermal stress.