SPCA's claws out after cat dumping
21 December 2005
By YVONNE TAHANA

A mass dumping of cats in Hamilton has the SPCA wishing it could put someone away for abandonment.

SPCA manager Chris Wood arrived at work yesterday to find 15 cats ? six adults, one juvenile and eight kittens ? stacked in three boxes. Three more cats were abandoned later in the day to add to 25 other felines at the full Ellis St facility. Mrs Wood said it was the start of the cat-dumping season as people went on holiday. The SPCA expected to be busy during the next two months. "Cats seem to be so disposable," she said.

Under the Animal Welfare Act, the maximum penalty for abandoning animals is a $25,000 fine or six months in jail. However, proving cat ownership is difficult. Convictions were rare. Mrs Wood said if she caught a dumper she would enforce the law. "I really would ? it would send a lovely strong message."

In a letter attached to the boxes, the dumper said: "Dear SPCA officer: Please take care of them temporarily and help us find them new homes. If unfortunately you have to make them sleep eventually, please tell them that they have been wonderful members of the family and that the dad and mum will always love them and miss them. Thank you very much."

The person left 15kg of food for the SPCA but that did not mollify Mrs Wood. "I've got no sympathy. They're making their problem someone else's," she said.