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Training your dog to wear a muzzle is a great idea. Why? Training your dog to wear a muzzle is a responsible and proactive step for any dog owner. While many people associate muzzles with ‘aggressive’ dogs, muzzles can be actually be useful in various situations.

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.

At SPCA, we encourage all rabbit owners to desex their rabbits as early as possible. But, if you find yourself caring for a doe and her kits, this guide can help you the proper care for both mother and her babies.

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.

Barking is a normal way for dogs to communicate, whether they're excited, anxious, or trying to alert us to something. However, when barking becomes excessive—happening loudly and frequently—it can become a nuisance for both owners and neighbours. If your dog’s barking is causing issues, don’t worry! With the right approach you can manage and reduce it.

​SPCA opposes the routine killing of male chicks in the layer hen industry.

Dogs die in hot cars. If you love them, don't leave them.
Every year, our Inspectors receive hundreds of welfare calls about dogs that have been left inside hot cars. Over the last summer, these calls accounted for approximately 11% of all welfare calls made to SPCA. Sadly, the message around the dangers of leaving your animals inside cars doesn’t seem to be sinking in. SPCA has created downloadable resources including posters, a flyer and a social media tile to help you to share the message.