The SPCA Fiji Islands and animal welfare
OVER the last few weeks, we have discussed what we can do to help prevent cruelty and abuse. Many organisations now exist with the aim of raising awareness on and helping to protect animals. The first organisation ever to be set up to protect animals was the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in England.
The first SPCA was set up in 1824 to help working animals such as 'pit ponies', who were worked down in the coal mines, under terrible conditions, often never seeing daylight. With humble beginnings in a London coffee shop, the first SPCA also helped highlight and alleviate the plight of horses used for pulling carriages. These animals were worked through long hours and in freezing cold conditions until they eventually fell down and died. This first SPCA helped to pass laws that regulated the carriagehorse business.
Later, SPCA helped the millions of animals enlisted to serve alongside British, Commonwealth and Allied forces during WWI and WWII and later expanded to address the treatment of animals used for sporting activities and finally, domestic pets.
In 1840, the SPCA became the RSPCA. The "R" stands for "Royal", reflecting that the organisation had royal patronage (under Queen Victoria).
The SPCA Fiji Islands was established in Fiji in 1953 as a charitable trust by a small group of citizens interested in animal welfare in the country.
SPCA Fiji Islands aims to promote and safeguard the welfare of the animals of Fiji. SPCA has a shelter in Walu Bay, Suva, which cares for and does its best to rehome stray cats and dogs. It also runs a clinic through which it provides affordable veterinary services to pet owners. SPCA carries out education and awareness to build a more knowledgeable and caring society that can improve the welfare and health of animals. A key role of the SPCA is preventing cruelty to animals. Currently, SPCA relies on the public for information on animals needing help and responds accordingly.
SPCA and stray animals
SPCA does not trap and remove stray animals unless they are obviously ill or injured. Trapping of dogs is done by the town and city councils, often because of complaints by ratepayers. SPCA works closely with the Suva City Council to help as many animals as possible get a second chance by being brought to the shelter. Sadly, right now, there are so many stray dogs and cats, that not all trapped animals make it to the shelter. Many are euthanised by the Ministry of Agriculture after a short holding period. The ministry has oversight of all stray animals in the country and is striving to ensure that humane methods are used to control populations. In fact, some years ago, the ministry restricted use of poisoned bait as a method of dog control.
SPCA firmly believes that euthanasia is not the answer to our stray animal population and is working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Suva City Council to run desexing programs to help stop animals from reproducing. If everyone takes responsibility and if the programe is run continuously, we will begin to see a drop in numbers of stray animals. This requires a regular supply of veterinarians, medical assistants and drugs. All of which are in short supply.
What is needed to run the SPCA?
Running a shelter requires an investment of time and resources. Money is needed to pay for veterinarians and other staff, food for the shelter animals, fuel, electricity, water, equipment, drugs and pharmaceuticals, building repair and maintenance, insurance and accountant fees. One of SPCA's greatest costs is food for the shelter pets plus costs of vaccinations and desexing and any other medical treatment. The SPCA shelter can hold a maximum of 120 cats and dogs at any one time. This number depends on the age and health of the animals.
SPCA Fiji Islands relies on income from the clinic, membership fees and its sponsors to cover its costs. Volunteer vets, food drives and fundraising events also help to lighten the financial burden.
The SPCA Fiji Islands is based at 155 Foster Rd, Walu Bay in Suva. It currently provides veterinary services to clients from Pacific Harbour and Navua through the Suva-Nausori corridor.