Bob Kerridge’s greatest hits

1987:

Led a campaign against importing pitbulls because they are bred to fight.

Started Auckland SPCA Trust, now worth $28 million.

1988:

Calls for — and got — the resignation of Governor-General Sir Paul Reeves as patron of the SPCA after he was present at the ritual slaying of two pigs in Vanuatu.

1991:

Introduced through SPCA Auckland the first animal microchips into New Zealand.

1997:

Leads opposition of the Kaimanawa wild horse cull. Clashes with politicians, environmentalists and farmers on “overhasty” decisions to declare some animals pests and eradicate them.

2004:

SPCA television series Animal House begins on TV1.

2008:

Establishes the SPCA Cat Coalition to support volunteer efforts to assist stray cats in Auckland — aiding 4000 cats annually.

2009:

Establishes the NZ Companion Animal Trust to provide grants for animal welfare.

2015:

Slammed after suggesting the ethnicity of owners play a part in dog attacks.

2016:

Publishes comprehensive SPCA Animal Welfare Policies manual containing hundreds of policies.

2018:

Starts the Bob Kerridge Animal Welfare Fellowship, which awards funding for a variety of animal causes.

Aged 80, joins a group of activists opposing Auckland council’s proposal to euthanise stray cats rounded up without a microchip. His stroke causes him to take a step back.