26 January 2015
Responsible dog ownership is not a matter of race says SPCA
The Royal New Zealand SPCA strongly disagrees with Bob Kerridge’s recent comments in the media in which he links
ethnicity with the high number of dog attacks in South Auckland.
“Bob’s comments are his personal views and do not reflect the views of the SPCA,” says Ric Odom, CEO of the Royal New
Zealand SPCA, the national organisation that oversees 47 SPCA centres throughout the country, including Auckland.
“We would also like to clarify that Bob Kerridge does not speak for the SPCA as a whole – his position is Executive
Director of SPCA Auckland only.
“Our staff, volunteers, and supporters include people from many different ethnic backgrounds who all share a common goal
of advancing animal welfare in New Zealand. We proudly work with anyone who shares our common vision and would be
horrified if Mr Kerridge’s comments led anyone to think that his personal views on ethnicity were shared by the SPCA.
They are not.
“The SPCA believes responsible dog ownership is something every dog owner should practice regardless of their ethnicity
or socio-economic status. If owners are not acting responsibly towards their animals we believe they should be held
accountable, which is why we prosecute people accused of animal welfare offences.”
Responsible dog ownership includes training, socialising, registering, and desexing the dog, plus making sure the dog is
not able to leave the owner’s property unrestrained.
“The onus is on dog owners to find out what their responsibilities are and act accordingly. Information about
responsible animal ownership is freely available throughout the country from local councils and any one of our 47 SPCA
centres so there really is no excuse for not doing the right thing,” says Mr Odom.
About the Royal New Zealand SPCA
The Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is the national body that oversees the work of 47
SPCA Centres across the country to help advance the welfare of all animals in New Zealand by preventing cruelty to
animals, alleviating suffering of animals, and promoting animal welfare policies through education and advocacy. The
Royal New Zealand SPCA is a registered charity (Charities Commission number CC22705) and operates under the Animal
Welfare Act 1999.
ENDS