SPCA in hunt for inspectors
In what is being touted as a ‘‘groundbreaking’’ internship programme, the SPCA is recruiting more than a dozen new welfare inspectors to help in the fight against animal cruelty.
It is a significant undertaking for the charitable organisation, which primarily relies on donations to stay afloat, but one that chief executive Andrea Midgen said was essential.
‘‘Our statistics show we are receiving more animal welfare complaints than ever and we need SPCA inspectors to be able to investigate and follow up, as well as do more proactive work in the community.’’
In 2017 1033 cases of animal cruelty were recorded by the police, up from the 934 recorded incidents nationwide in the previous year. Evidence of the worst cases is released annually through the SPCA’s list of shame.
The most recent list, released in March, included a 5-year-old labrador starved to death, a duck with its beak blown up by a firecracker and a neglected horse left in pain with a deformed eye and head injury.
The SPCA is the only charity with the legal powers, under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, to help animals in need and bring animal offenders to justice.
The most common complaints investigated were typically in relation to failure to provide adequate food, water, veterinary treatment or shelter.
Midgen said while being an inspector could be tough, it was a job that had ‘‘a real impact’’ on animals and their welfare.
‘‘[Inspectors] are passionate about animal welfare, resilient, enthusiastic, have a great work ethic and have self-confidence.
‘‘We’re hoping to attract anyone up for this challenge.’’
The training, offered in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland, will see 15 participants spend three months getting hands-on experience in the role while being taught by the best in the industry.
It is the first time the organisation has been able to hire such a significant number of people since it voted to form one national organisation from its 45 independent centres in June last year.
Midgen hoped the interns would get jobs at the end of their three-month paid training but that decision would ultimately come down to money.
‘‘The reality of being a charity is that all hiring decisions are dependent on the donations we receive and the money we can raise. We are hopeful there will be roles available for all successful interns, but this does depend on our funding.’’
* For more information about the internship programme, see: qjumpers.co.nz.