Crime, costs drive SPCA out of town
Break-ins, escalating maintenance costs and a lack of use by locals has seen Tokoroa’s SPCA close its doors for the final time.
All incoming animals have gone to neighbouring Rotorua and Taupō centres since October 2022 because of staffing limitations, said the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) New Zealand regional manager Vivien Moore.
However, the SPCA has partnered with a local vet clinic to ensure animals in the area remain cared for.
‘‘The decision to close was made by the charity because the centre is no longer financially viable to operate and would require considerable investment to bring up to standard,’’ Moore said.
‘‘The Tokoroa centre has provided a valuable service to the local community, however, in recent years, the centre has looked after very few animals.’’
Moore said the centre had been the target of two recent break-ins, resulting in equipment stolen and vehicles significantly damaged.
‘‘SPCA New Zealand has carefully considered the situation and has decided that the funds currently allocated to the Tokoroa centre would be better spent on desexing initiatives and future-focused preventative measures.
‘‘We understand the impact that the closure of the Tokoroa centre will have on the local community, and we are committed to continuing our work in the area.’’
Moore said the SPCA ‘‘explored every option’’ to keep the centre open, but would not have been able to provide the best welfare outcomes for animals.
‘‘As a charity, we need to ensure our funds are used where they will have the most significant impact, and that is not always bricks and mortar.’’
An SPCA field officer will continue to service the area, along with the already established vet partnership with South Waikato Veterinary Services.
The veterinary practice will take in sick, injured or vulnerable animals approved by the SPCA, and hold them until they can be transferred to Rotorua or Taupō.
Inspectorate services in the area would not be impacted.
‘‘SPCA New Zealand would like to thank the staff, volunteers, and supporters of the Tokoroa centre for their dedication and hard work over the years,’’ Moore said.
‘‘We also express our gratitude to the local community for their support, and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future – as we run further desexing initiatives in Tokoroa to help to break the cycle of unwanted animals needing shelter care.’’
The SPCA’s Waihī centre was also closed in July 2021 after being shut for 18 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Its services were transferred to larger centres in Tauranga, Thames and Hamilton.
The SPCA is also offering cheap adoptions across entire country in a plea to help overflowing shelters.
It was halving adoption fees up until June 2, in a bid to get as many animals as possible into forever homes.
The SPCA has 20% more animals in care than at the same time last year, and centres are feeling overwhelmed by the numbers needing their help.
Kitten season, which would usually be nearing its end by May, shows no sign of slowing down, because of warmer weather conditions.
Every animal adopted from the SPCA is desexed, microchipped and vaccinated.
Members of the Tokoroa community in need of assistance with abandoned, abused, or neglected animals should contact the Rotorua SPCA on 07 349 2955.
‘‘We understand the impact that the closure of the Tokoroa centre will have on the local community, and we are committed to continuing our work in the area. ’’