What is the RNZSPCA?

RNZSPCA stands for the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It is a voluntary organisation which, through its district branches, provides help to animals and owners 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, although the public should expect only genuine emergencies to be dealt with outside normal working hours.

How did the Society originate?

The Society originated in England last century at a time of great animal use -and abuse. Animals were used in many situations to provide motive power (eg pit ponies and transport). Blood sports such as bull-baiting and cockfighting were commonplace, providing savage forms of crude "entertainment". The first law to protect animals was passed in 1822 after a long struggle by several people, in particular William Wilberforce of anti-slavery fame, and Richard Martin, otherwise known as Humanity Dick. Two years later, in 1824, the Rev. Arthur Broome formed the SPCA in London. These three men, with others, proceeded to take many prosecutions for breaches of the new Act. The Society received royal patronage in 1840.

New Zealand origins

Along with other things British, the early settlers brought with them the laws of England, and thus the English Protection of Animals Act 1835 became part of our law. This was replaced in 1878 by the first New Zealand Act protecting animals. By this time the settlers had time to think of other things besides establishing the necessities of life, and in 1882 the first SPCA was formed in Dunedin, quickly followed by the other main centres. In 1933, the various separate Societies decided to amalgamate as a Federation. Out of this has grown the national organisation known as the RNZSPCA. Gradually smaller communities established their own branches until today there are 54 local SPCAs throughout the country.

How is the Society funded?

Our Society is purely a voluntary organisation, receiving no state funding whatsoever. It relies for its income on donations, bequests and its own fund-raising efforts.

How the workload is shared

The Society operates at two levels - national and district. The function of the National Office is to... Co-ordinate the activities of the 54 districts. Handle inspector training throughout the country. Arrange national educational and promotional programmes. Arrange national fund raising promotions. Represent the Society on Government committees. Handle major prosecutions which have national implications. Promote and handle all approaches to Government for new and amended legislation relating to animal welfare. Liaise with overseas and international welfare groups.

At district level the local SPCAs... Investigate and deal with complaints of cruelty and neglect. Uphold the laws relating to the treatment of animals and take prosecutions where necessary. Give sanctuary to animals in distress. Rehome suitable animals where possible. Ensure that animals which cannot be kept alive for whatever reason are humanely euthanised. Assist with public education. Promote responsible pet ownership.

New Zealand structure

The national governing body of the organisation is the National Council, elected at the AGM by representatives from the districts. Each of the 54 local SPCAs incorporates in its title the name of the district in which it operates. For example - the Waikato Branch RNZSPCA; Canterbury Branch RNZSPCA; and so on. Not all local SPCAs are "branches". A small number are member societies, some the original ones from last century. These member societies do not use "RNZ" in their name (eg Wellington SPCA, Otago SPCA). Each of the 54 local SPCAs runs its own affairs and handles its own finances. A voluntary committee controls the activities. The larger SPCAs have some paid staff, but most rely on unpaid personnel. Each has one or more warranted inspectors, paid or unpaid, to investigate complaints of cruelty and to enforce the Animal Welfare Act 1999.

Facilities

Facilities vary throughout New Zealand from large complexes to a few cages in someone's backyard. Even where large complexes exist, much reliance is placed on the help of voluntary workers.

What is the law relating to animal welfare?

This is the Animal Welfare Act 1999. It is a very wide-ranging Act and deals with offences in the handling and management of animals (including birds) in this country

What are the more common offences?

*Failing to provide an animal with adequate food, water and shelter.
*Deliberate acts of cruelty towards an animal.
*Failing to seek necessary veterinary advice.

How can I help?

1. Always set an example yourself of kindness and thoughtfulness towards animals.
2. Notify your local SPCA of injured or suffering animals.
3. Join your local SPCA and participate in its activities.
4. If you are already a member of the Society, encourage others to join. Finance and willing workers are always needed.