Subsidised ‘snip ‘n’ chip’ for pets
A surge in unwanted animals has prompted the SPCA in Timaru to revive its subsidised Snip ‘n’ Chip campaign to break the cycle of unplanned reproduction.
Since March when the Covid19 lockdowns started, the organisation has received more than 60 unwanted animals in Timaru.
More than 250 have ended up with the SPCA across Canterbury over the same period, according to spokesperson Paige Janssen.
Almost 40 of those incoming animals have found new homes so far.
There was also a surge in adoptions in the week prior to the March 25 lockdown in Timaru with another 40 homed compared to nine in the first week of that month.
The remaining animals were cared for by staff who were still able to take in sick and vulnerable animals through out that lockdown period, Janssen said.
‘‘The team are eager to begin their Snip ‘n’ Chip campaign and help break the cycle of unwanted litters in the South Canterbury community.
‘‘We encourage any pet owners with animals that aren’t desexed or microchipped to take up this fantastic opportunity, particularly before kitten season starts,’’ Janssen said.
South Canterbury residents will be able to book to have their cat desexed and microchipped for $20 or their dog for $30 from
Monday. Spaying a cat usually costs between $90 and $130, dogs are usually more expensive at between $200 and $400 (depending on age and gender) and microchipping costs about $37, according to vetcall.co.nz
SPCA chief executive Andrea Midgen said desexing was the best way to prevent unwanted animals.
‘‘Not only will it help your pets have a happier and healthier life, but desexing ensures they don’t unknowingly or unexpectedly reproduce a litter of animals who are at risk of being abused and neglected.’’
She said the aim of the campaign was to also promote the benefits of desexing to pet owners who had not considered getting their pets done or who could not afford it.
There are 200 subsidised cat vouchers and 50 subsidised dog vouchers available which need to be booked by calling the SPCA’s Timaru Centre or at spca.nz/southcanterburysnipnchip from Monday.