Stopping unwanted litters before they start: SPCA Desexing Programme making an impact

The programme is also highlighting the need for stronger measure to address irresponsible breeding at the source.

SPCA is continuing to deliver a 12-month programme focused on dogs most likely to contribute to roaming and uncontrolled breeding. The programme focuses on early intervention, preventing litters, reducing roaming behaviour, and lowering the risk of serious dog bite incidents.

Earlier this year, SPCA received close to $500,000 from Hon Brooke van Velden’s Lottery Minister’s Discretionary Fund following a number of serious dog related incidents, including the recent tragic death of a Northland woman killed by dogs.

Sadly, three of the last four fatal dog attacks in New Zealand have occurred in Northland.

Since the programme began last month, 219 dogs have already been desexed, preventing an estimated 548 unwanted puppies.

The initiative targets dogs most at risk of contributing to roaming and uncontrolled breeding, including dogs that roam, that have already had multiple litters, and whose owners may be facing financial barriers to desexing.

SPCA Chief Scientific Officer Dr Arnja Dale says accessible desexing programmes are an important part of improving long-term outcomes for both dogs and communities.

“Desexing is one of the most effective tools we have to keep communities safe and improve animal welfare. This programme is about reaching the dogs and communities that need support the most,” says Dr Dale.

“Targeted desexing programmes can make a real difference by reducing unwanted litters and roaming behaviour.”

“However, long-term improvement also requires stronger regulation of dog breeding to help address irresponsible breeding practices at the source. Combined with accessible desexing programmes, this would reduce the flow of unwanted dogs entering communities and improve outcomes for both dogs and people.”

SPCA is working alongside a growing network of partners to deliver this programme and reduce barriers to accessing desexing support. This includes veterinary clinics and rescue groups, with additional organisations continuing to come on board.

“By working alongside local partners, we’re able to reduce barriers to desexing and ensure support is available where it will have the greatest impact,” says Dr Dale.

“Providing vouchers through local veterinary clinics also helps community members build ongoing relationships with their local vets, supporting better long-term care for their dogs,” says Dr Dale.

The programme aims to support the desexing of up to 3,000 dogs across Auckland and Northland, using a combination of SPCA’s existing community desexing work and targeted voucher distribution through approved partners.

Because the programme is targeted towards dogs and communities most at risk, it is not a general offer for all dog owners.

People in Auckland and Northland who believe they may be eligible are encouraged to contact their local SPCA Centre or a participating partner organisation to find out more. Availability will depend on eligibility and current capacity.

SPCA will continue to provide updates on the programme as it progresses, aligned with regular reporting to the Minister.

Dog owners in Northland and Auckland who wish to find out if they're eligible for desexing support can either call the Māngere Centre or Hobsonville Centre, or reach out to participating groups able to issue vouchers:

• Bay of Island Veterinary Centre (Northland)
• TopVets (Northland)
• Far North Vets (Northland)
• Mog and Dog Whangārei (Northland)
• Best Dog Trust (Northland)
• Piano Hill Vets (Northland)
• Mog and Dog Manukau (Auckland)
• Lynfield Vets (Auckland)
• Māngere Veterinary Clinic (Auckland)
• The Dog Rescue Project (Auckland)
• Henderson Vet Trust (Auckland)

Image: Jo Moore Photography