Bay of Plenty animal rescues overwhelmed by unwanted puppies, kittens
Animal rescue organizations in the Bay of Plenty region are facing a crisis due to a surge in abandoned puppies and kittens. Shelters are struggling with limited space and rising veterinary costs, prompting urgent appeals for donations and foster homes.
Why it matters
It highlights a growing social and welfare issue regarding pet abandonment and the strain on community-funded animal care services.
Vada's Animals Animal Rescue Trust is inundated with requests to care for and rehome unwanted puppies. Photo / Kat Thompson
Bay of Plenty animal rescue groups are struggling to cope with an influx of dumped and unwanted puppies.
Vada’s Angels Animal Rescue Trust founder and team manager Kat Thompson said she and her team were “overwhelmed and exhausted” by the flood of dumped and abandoned puppies and adult dogs.
“Every day we’re asked to save more lives while trying to find a way to pay for the animals already in our care.”
Thompson said the condition of some of the litters of puppies was “heartbreaking”.
“We’ve seen a rise in extremely underfed animals. Some would have literally died if we didn’t take them and get them under veterinary care straight away.
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