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Saving Hope dog rescue charity founder Janine Hinton, says something has to be done about de-sexing dogs to stop a cycle of unwanted puppies, who eventually have their own litters.
This year has been the first when, at times, the Silverdale based charity has reluctantly had to turn away puppies.
“There are times when we simply don’t have enough foster carers and nowhere to put more pups,” Janine says. “Last week we had someone who wanted to hand over 10 puppies, and we had to say ‘no’, which is heartbreaking. We still helped, with de-sexing the mum and providing food, but that was the best we could do.”
Part of the problem, she says, is that the number of adoptions is down and more people are handing over puppies saying they can’t afford to keep them.
“They say if we can’t take them, they will be euthanised,” Janine says. “I hate that word. All those pups deserve a life.”
She says something has to be done to educate people about de-sexing their dogs.
“Education is key to breaking this cycle of unwanted litters,” she says. “Dog owners need to learn new ways and that starts with the children.”
De-sexing is expensive (there are different charges at different vet clinics) but is vital to prevent overwhelming rescue services, Janine says.
“If we are asked to take puppies, we push for de-sexing and most owners are happy, although a minority aren’t,” Janine says.
As well as de-sexing, health care and vet checks for the puppies is an ongoing cost – this is despite various Auckland vets giving Saving Hope a discount.
“Some puppies come in very sick, with things like Parvo virus, broken bones, mange, worms and even distemper,” Janine says. “We can have vet bills of up to $70,000 a month.”
That money has to come from adoption fees and public donations.
Janine is trying desperately to find a way to purchase a piece of land and start a shelter that would allow her to take overflow from other rescue organisations. It would include a place to keep puppies before they are fostered, somewhere for pregnant females, and a space to educate children about dogs.
“We’ve tried, but couldn’t raise the money,” she says. “If everyone in NZ who loves dogs gave $1, we would be there – or if every business gave us $50 which they can claim back.”
In the meantime, she and her team will keep doing whatever they can to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs and puppies.
“We struggle and it’s stressful but seeing pups that have a rough start find a good home is what keeps us going.”
If you can foster puppies (with full support and everything supplied), or would like to contribute funds towards this organisation, visit www.savinghope.co.nz, email info@savinghope.co.nz
