SPCA volunteer Meg Lush, of Carterton, with a 4-month-old, yet to be named, male cat up for adoption at the Ngaumutawa Rd centre. PHOTO/SEAMUS BOYER
SEAMUS BOYER
The SPCA’s Wairarapa centre will remain open permanently after its six-month trial ends in April, with the region also set to get a second inspector.
Since reopening in October 2017, the centre has rehomed nearly 60 animals, including puppies, kittens, rabbits, as well as adult cats and dogs.
The centre re-opened with help from a $20,000 grant from the Masterton District Council, and funds topped up from the newly formed One SPCA national body.
The council grant was received to help cover expenses for an initial 6-month trial, but after the success of that trial, the centre is now here to stay.
SPCA central region general manager Ros Alsford said the response from Wairarapa people had been tremendous.
“The community have been really well involved with us.
“We will definitely be keeping it open . . . there’s no two ways about it.”
She said funding must now come from the community, which meant they were calling on Wairarapa people to help fundraise and volunteer to solidify the success of the centre long-term and “make it sustainable”.
The Ngaumutawa Rd centre is open on Friday evenings as well as 10am-4pm each Saturday and Sunday, but the SPCA is looking to increase its opening hours “in the near future”.
In addition, a second inspector will be added to cover the Wairarapa region “in a couple of weeks” due to demand.
SPCA inspectors investigate allegations of neglect and abuse, but also help with animals in distress or needing urgent care, stray cat trapping, and working with local veterinarians.
The centre controversially closed in 2015 due to financial difficulties but remained as an office for local SPCA staff until it was reopened in October.
A Wairarapa Advisory Board was established in the aftermath of the centre closing.
Good work !