Raglan’s answer to the SPCA, the Stray Animal Fund run by the good people at Anexa Raglan Vet Clinic have a lot of work cut out for them with close to a hundred strays brought in every season.
“It’s been crazy, we’ve had so many kittens brought in this season,” says vet nurse Moana Robb. “Usually cats have two litters every season, but with longer summers and warmer weather they have time for three litters now.”
While Anexa Raglan work incredibly hard to take in and rehome every animal that gets brought in, looking after the animals costs money.
The Stray Animal Fund was officially set up around 15 years ago as an extension of Donna Rickard’s existing work as the face of the Cat’s Protection League in Raglan. The fund is run independent of Anexa and relies completely on donations to fund procedures and other costs.
A passionate animal welfare advocate, Donna has seen the same problem in Raglan year in, year out. “Some people think that they have this right to own a pet, but it’s not, it’s a privilege, and if you’re not going to commit time, love and money looking after your animals, you have no right owning them,” says Donna.
Only a few weeks ago the Stray Animal Fund was down to a staggering 97 cents, spurring Moana to set up a donation box for the fund and a ‘Sponsor a Stray’ program where you can contribute money towards a stray animal’s vaccination or de-sexing procedure.
Left to run wild, each cat can have a litter of five kittens up to three times a year. If there were an estimated female cat population of 200 in Raglan, these cats would go on to have around 3000 kittens a year.
“ It’s not just a population problem, not knowing where your next meal is coming from and with winter coming, it’s just a horrible life to live,” says Carol Millar.
Sadly, a lot of the animals that are brought into the clinic are unwanted pets the have simply been left somewhere. “We had a couple find three kittens at the top of the divvy, all three were really tame so they’ve obviously been looked after then dumped,” says Moana.
Although this year has been particularly challenging for the clinic, the issues remain the same; pet owners not de-sexing their animals and tenants leaving pets behind.
And it’s not just cats; a lot of puppies and stray dogs are getting dropped off at the clinic as well.
The main message that Anexa would like to get out is to “please de-sex your animals!” And with a number of payment options available, Anexa Raglan has made the procedure as accessible as possible.
If you would like to help out or donate to the Stray Animal Fund, pop down to the Anexa Raglan clinic or visit their Facebook page for news and updates on new animals that have been brought in.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anexa-Raglan-Vet-Clinic/106010002794611
