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How SPCA measures public opinion on animal welfare: not all polls are equal
Have you ever seen an online poll pop up asking a quick question about animal welfare? Maybe something like, "Should fireworks be banned?" or "Was the government right to ban greyhound racing?" It might seem like a useful way to understand where the public stands, but not all polls are created equal.
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Caring for and training a deaf dog
Deaf dogs can live happy, fulfilling lives. With a few adjustments to how you communicate and set up their environment, you can help them thrive. Deaf dogs often rely more on visual and tactile cues, and with patience and positive training methods, you can build a strong and trusting bond.
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Remembering a beloved pet
At SPCA, we understand that losing a pet can be one of life’s most heartbreaking experiences. Please know that you don't have to carry the pain alone. This guide offers support and practical advice for navigating pet loss grief, including ways to honour your pet's memory and find comfort during this difficult time.
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Stray animals and the Animal Welfare Act
You may have recently rescued a stray cat or dog and are keen to find them a permanent home. However, there are legal considerations under the Animal Welfare Act which must be followed when rehoming certain types of stray animals. There are additional considerations under the Dog Control Act 1996 for a dog you take into your care for 72 hours or more.
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Know your obligations before you set a cat trap
Companion cats are loving members of many New Zealand families. Feral cats are independent with no need for human assistance to support them in their daily lives. Somewhere in between are stray cats, which vary in how much they interact with people and rely on them for important things such as food and shelter.
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Caring for quail
To keep your quail as happy and healthy as they deserve, they need a lot of dedicated care.
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When pets give blood - How Aotearoa’s animal blood donations compare with the rest of the world
Most New Zealanders know about donating blood to help people. Far fewer realise that dogs, cats and other companion species can also donate blood and that these donations can be the difference between life and death for pets undergoing emergency treatment, major surgery or suffering from serious illness.
Around the world, countries have developed very different ways of sourcing this life-saving resource. Some rely on community volunteers, others on veterinary-based donor registers. New Zealand stands out for taking a very different approach.
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Feeding birds in the wild
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.
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The wonders behind New Zealand’s native birds
Since Aotearoa drifted away from the super continent millions of years ago, our islands have become home to some of the most wonderful and unique fauna worldwide.
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Looking out for ducks and ducklings in spring
Spring is the time of year that we get numerous calls from concerned residents about ducks and ducklings that may be injured, sick, stuck in drains, orphaned, or crossing roads.