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Dropping in: SPCA animal field and education officer Jaqcui Walsh has a look at two neapolitan mastiff dogs at the Otangarei drop-in-centre

Drop in centre doing good

Reprinted with permission from the Whangarei Leader

By Deanna Harris

Fewer dogs are roaming the streets of Otangarei thanks to a Whangarei SPCA initiative which is set to expand.

The SPCA drop-in centre started in September last year and is a New Zealand first. Based in Otangarei, the drop-in centre is open every second Wednesday for residents to drop in for advice about their animals.

Centre founder, SPCA field and education officer Jaqcui Walsh says the response from the Otangarei community has been phenomenal with 253 animals seen by Mrs Walsh over 13 days. Because of the success she is planning to start more around Whangarei.

Last Wednesday more than 40 animals visited the centre over seven hours, keeping Mrs Walsh busy de-worming, fleaing and talking to pet owners about different issues from desexing to registration.

"A lot of the people who came were new faces, so word of mouth is definitely working," says Mrs Walsh.

She says most people who are bringing their animals to the drop-in centre are looking for advice. While the animals are there they receive free flea and worm treatment plus a new collar if it is needed.

Dog registration forms and pre-payment methods for vet operations including desexing are also available.
So far about 20 dogs have been registered through the centre and the same number have signed up to the pre-pay vet option.

Mrs Walsh says several people have mentioned a reduction in wandering dogs causing trouble in the area. Because of the success in Otangarei Mrs Walsh is now planning to open centres in the Raumanga/Otaika area and Tikipunga.