Donations desperately needed for a new animal welfare facility.<\/p>\n
This article was prepared by SPCA and is being published by the New Zealand Herald as advertorial.<\/p>\n
\n As the existing SPCA Centre in M\u0101ngere continues to deteriorate, the clock is ticking for the animal welfare charity to raise funds for a
\n new, purpose-built animal welfare hub.\n <\/p>\n
Operating for more than 40 years, the M\u0101ngere Centre in South Auckland cared for over 5500 animals last year alone \u2013 double the number of any other SPCA Centre across the country.<\/p>\n
Despite the large number of animals being helped at the Centre, the situation couldn\u2019t be more dire.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Centre is literally crumbling,\u201d says Dr Nathan Wong, Head Vet at SPCA\u2019s M\u0101ngere Centre. \u201cStaff are doing their absolute best, but the walls, the floors \u2013 it\u2019s breaking down faster than we can patch it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Issues include cracks in the walls and flooring that compromise hygiene, sagging ceilings that are caving in, cramped vet facilities with a lack of space, and a layout that heightens stress of already frightened animals.<\/p>\n
The cracks in the floors and walls make it near impossible for the staff and volunteers to keep the Centre clear of disease, even with rigorous cleaning schedules. Intestinal parasites like giardia and coccidia remain in the cracks, and cat flu spreads, despite all efforts to isolate infected animals.<\/p>\n
Vulnerable animals like Bronson are being directly impacted by the poor state of the building and facilities. Just one of the thousands of animals helped at the M\u0101ngere Centre, this cat came into SPCA\u2019s care with a large, painful gash on his cheek.<\/p>\n
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\u201cBronson underwent surgery, and we were able to stitch his face, though his treatment and recovery weren\u2019t easy,\u201d says Dr Wong. \u201cThe surgical prep room is cluttered as we have to fit recovery cages, x-ray table, prep table, instrument cleaning station, work desk and dental table all in the one room. And the poor layout of the facilities meant that loud noises and disruptions from other animals have made Bronson\u2019s recovery much more stressful than it should have been.\u201d<\/p>\n
A new shelter in Wiri has been designed by animal welfare experts and architects to put animal welfare first \u2013 with bigger rooms and a better layout, dedicated outdoor spaces, an expanded animal hospital, and quarantine-specific puppy pens.<\/p>\n
The new build would provide the opportunity to care for an additional 2000 animals a year \u2013 not just through more space, but because the space would better meet animals\u2019 needs, prevent unnecessary illness and stress, and help animals find forever homes faster.<\/p>\n
It would also serve as a \u201csuperhub\u201d, supporting SPCA Centres in Hamilton, Thames, Whang\u0101rei and Hobsonville with veterinary and surgical services.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe desperately need to make the Wiri Centre a reality,\u201d says Dr Wong. \u201cThis isn\u2019t a luxury. It\u2019s a necessity for these animals.\u201d<\/p>\n
SPCA is calling on animal lovers to donate towards the construction of the new shelter, so that more animals like Bronson can be helped.<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite everything he\u2019s been through, he remained a sweet, friendly boy. Animals like him deserve the best possible chance at recovery, and we need the new Centre to give them that.\u201d<\/p>\n
SPCA urgently needs your help to build the new Wiri Centre. Please, make a donation to help lay the first bricks.<\/p>\n
Donate today at wiricentre.spca.nz<\/a><\/p>\n