Tag Archives: SPCA

Leisa & Indy’s NZ Charity Cycleway Journey

Posted on July 31, 2015 | Leave a comment

Leisa McNaughton and her dog Indy, a Border Collie/Bernese Mountain Dog cross, will commence a 4-month journey on 1st October 2015 to travel the length of New Zealand.

Their journey will begin in Cape Reinga and travel using tracks that are part of Nga Haerenga The New Zealand Cycle Trail and connector routes.

On her Facebook page, Leisa says, “My aim is to encourage others to join me in the sights and sounds of our wonderful country while cycling the length of NZ and fundraising for my 13 chosen charities.” These charities , all regional, will include:

Sport Northland Whangarei
Auckland Rescue Helicopter Auckland
Cambridge Riding for the Disabled Cambridge
Cranford Hospice Hastings
The Capital Performing Arts Wellington
Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust Blenheim
Menzshed Waimea
The Tasman Environmental Trust Richmond, Nelson
Westcoast Coastguard Greymouth
Canterbury SPCA Christchurch
Otago Medical Research Foundation Dunedin
Number 10 Invercargill

Indy tests his trailer before the big journey starts (photo by Leisa)

Leisa says she and Indy “chose each other” at the SPCA about six years ago. She attributes her recovery from severe depression and burnout to, in part, Indy’s non-judgmental support and companionship.

Indy will ride in a specially designed trailer during the pair’s journey together.

You can follow Leisa and Indy on their Facebook page.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand

The consequences of rescuing a dog

Posted on May 17, 2015 | 2 comments

Last week, a Georgia man named Michael Hammons spotted a Yorkie-type dog inside a hot car parked at a Athens, Georgia shopping mall. He broke the window to rescue the dog.

When the dog’s owner returned, she was angry that he had damaged her vehicle and insisted that police charge him. His and the dog’s story have gone viral in what I consider a welcome debate about animal welfare and the rights of individuals who step in to intervene.

It seems that Georgia isn’t one of the 16 US states that prohibits leaving animals in cars in unsafe conditions. Advocates are now using this latest situation as evidence as to why the law needs changing.

Last year, I saw a couple leave their dog parked in the full sun at a local shopping mall with a large breed Lab cross in the back seat. I phoned the police on 111 (New Zealand’s version of 911) and then waited by the car until they arrived. I monitored the dog closely to see if he was showing signs of heat stress.

The police, followed by the SPCA, responded to my call quite quickly and the policeman took my details should I be needed as a witness. And then he encouraged me to leave the scene since they would take care of the situation and wait for the people to come back to speak with them.

Have you ever helped rescue a dog from a hot car? How were you treated?

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand

2 Comments

Posted in animal welfare, Dogs

Tagged Athens, Dog, Georgia, hot cars, Michael Hammons, police, SPCA

A new twist on abandonment

Posted on January 9, 2015 | 1 comment

The Scottish SPCA has reported a dog that was abandoned along with a suitcase of his belongings.

The Shar Pei cross, Kai, along with his suitcase (photo by SPCA/PA)

The dog named Kai (identification details that were found on his microchip) was discovered tied to a railing outside Ayr station. His suitcase contained a pillow, food, toy and bowl.

When Scottish SPCA inspector Stewart Taylor checked with the owners, whose details were registered against the microchip, he was told that they had sold Kai on a website in 2013 but they didn’t know to who!

“This case highlights the potential consequences of selling an animal online as it often leads to the impulse buying of pets that people know very little about. Regardless of the fact Kai was left with his belongings, this was still a cruel incident and we are keen to identify the person responsible. If anyone can help we would ask them to get in touch as soon as possible,” said Scottish SPCA inspector Stewart Taylor.

Abandonment is an animal welfare offense that in Scotland and, if convicted, the persons responsible are likely to be banned from keeping animals for a specified period of time.

The bottom line on this case is that abandonment is still abandonment. And the ‘new’ owners weren’t even responsible enough to have Kai’s microchip updated. However, the previous owners are also responsible in that they failed to check on the people who were adopting Kai from them, ensuring they had legitimate credentials, viewing their home, etc.

Dogs are not disposable!

Source: The Telegraph

1 Comment

Posted in animal welfare

Tagged Ayr railway station, Kai, Scotland, Scottish SPCA, Shar Pei, SPCA

I support SPCA Cupcake Day

Posted on August 23, 2013 | Leave a comment

I love innovative fundraising campaigns that attract attention. (Plus I’m sick of people who peddle fundraising boxes of chocolates which in my opinion is simply too easy and contributes to the obesity problem.)

So this year, I’m supporting SPCA Cupcake Day.
Instead of selling human cupcakes, I’m selling doggy cupcakes. These cakes are tummy friendly with fresh ingredients like banana and apple. The frosting is low fat cream cheese and the treat on top is one of my Chicken & Parsley Doggy Bites.

I’m having lots of fun taking orders and baking these, plus I feel like I’m supporting a cause I believe in and giving back to my community.

My cupcakes for Cupcake Day are selling for $2 each

Dog dies in hot car in Christchurch

Posted on December 20, 2010 | Leave a comment

Upsetting news for dog lovers in Christchurch today. It was revealed that a little Pomeranian was left in a car on Saturday in the full sun in the parking area at The Palms shopping centre. The dog was harnessed and muzzled and witnesses called the Mall security after seeing the dog frothing at the mouth.

Sadly, it was too late for this little dog. SPCA Canterbury investigators have the dog’s remains and are looking into the matter. They have yet to decide if charges will be laid (many of us hope so – but we of course have to wait for the facts of the case to be understood).

Geoff Sutton of the SPCA has been on the radio today reminding people not to leave their dogs in cars on hot summer days. He says (and I agree) that this should be “bloody obvious” to responsible dog owners.

Saturday’s temperature in Christchurch peaked at 33.4 degrees Celsius (92.1 degrees Fahrenheit).

Kathleen Crisley, Fear-Free certified professional and specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand