SPCA Auckland
Animal advocates
SPCA Auckland is working to set up a $1 million education centre at the Animal Village in Mangere.
Canine Attendant Emma Ginsberg with Wizowski, who lost an eye after an air gun attack. Wizowski has since been adopted into a new home.
Chief executive Bob Kerridge says the centre is the culmination of years of planning.
“The society is very aware of the importance of education as an effective preventative against animal cruelty,” he says, “and given the fact that over 90% of the cases attended by our inspectors are the direct result of ignorance it is clearly evident that this needs to be seriously addressed.
“The proposed education centre will have a direct impact on the reduction of cruelty to animals, in addition to teaching children how to respect all living things, a powerful message for young minds.”
The education centre will include an auditorium for lectures and “the barn”, where the hands-on experience of handling animals will be promoted.
In 2006 ASB Community Trust made an $188,000 grant toward building costs.
“The SPCA hosts thousands of visitors through its centre each year and the new addition will enhance the services they already provide,” says Trust CEO Jennifer Gill, adding that cruelty to animals is now recognised as an indicator of violence toward people.
The SPCA grant was part of the Trust's support for key projects in Auckland and Northland. In February a total of $4.5 million was granted to projects in education, the arts, sport, recreation, health and social services areas.
A similar amount is granted to the region’s not-for-profit groups every month.