SPCA cash clarified

The Wairarapa SPCA does not receive significant funding from the national body, as reported in yesterday's story.

Wairarapa SPCA manager Val Ball says the organisation receives some funding when income from a national fundraiser is distributed to respective branches.

The $80,000 taken in by Wairarapa SPCA last year came from "accumulated funds" and the organisation runs at a loss every year. Mrs Ball reiterated that despite the budgetary challenges they would never turn away an animal in need of vet care if the owner did not have the money to seek help.

"Fundraising is always something that needs to be done and we work with what we can to keep funds in the bank. This is achieved and we have money to keep going for at least three more years," she said.

Mrs Ball said the primary reason for seeking donations from those surrendering animals was to encourage pet owners to find a new home for them themselves. "Animal welfare and the care for, and of, animals is our mandate and we take it seriously."

Mrs Ball said, like other organisations in Wairarapa, the SPCA needed the community to support the facility.