News/Events

Dog who survived shooting

By Stephen Parker
The SPCA says it has come across one of the most remarkable animal survival stories it has ever seen - a pig dog shot three times in the head.
The dog survived the shooting and was found roaming in bush near Nelson covered in blood.
Staff at the SPCA have renamed the dog "Been", in the sense he "has been lucky".
Been was found by a hunter in the Wairau Valley near Nelson, having spent days wounded and lost.
All three bullet holes were close together, but one round ricocheted, another missed the brain, and a bullet was later extracted from Been's skull.
"He had an operation to remove a piece of bullet, which was later identified by someone from a local sports shop as definitely being a piece of bullet from a .30 calibre rifle," says Nelson SPCA manager Donna Walzl.
Been's case is just one in a list of a number of animal cruelty cases over summer, including the slaughter of 33 dogs in North Auckland.
The SPCA say in this case it is possible a pig-hunting owner meant to destroy the dog.
While it is not illegal to humanely shoot a dog, the SPCA has started an investigation, saying Been still suffered.
"If there was no malicious intent then the dog should be reunited with its owner," says Ms Walzl.
"But if there was malicious intent, then I certainly would like to know what went on that day."
Been has lost his hearing, but is otherwise recovering well.
If his old owner can't be found he will be up for adoption. The SPCA are saying he is the luckiest dog around.

http://www.3news.co.nz/Dog-who-survived-shooting-may-go-up-for-adoption/tabid/423/articleID/140723/Default.aspx

Million Paws Walk 2010

NELSON SPCA MILLION PAWS WALK AND FUN DOG SHOW A HUGE SUCCESS

On Sunday the 28th of March Isel Park was a happening spot for people, families and above all dogs! The Nelson SPCA held their annual Million Paws Walk and Fun Dog Show and had their largest turnout yet.

The event is aimed at celebrating the unique bond between people and their dogs, as well as raising awareness about the SPCA and the important role it plays in the community. Not only was the event successful as a fun day out for people and their dogs, but it was also a success in raising over $2,000 for the Nelson SPCA.

?It was wonderful to see Nelson people come out and support this worthy event. Everyone seemed to enjoy the days activities, dogs included. There was a little bit of something for everyone,? said Centre Manager Donna Walzl.

People could register their dog for the walk and/or dog show or come along as onlookers to enjoy the day?s entertainment.

The day started out with a walk through Isel Park led by Nelson SPCA Centre Canine Attendant Ruth Eden. After a brief threat of rain the many dogs and their owners, family and friends had fine weather for their morning walk. Upon their return the crowd and their canine friends were treated to a fantastic Dog Agility display given by the Nelson Dog Training Club.

?The Nelson Dog Training Club always amazes us with their talented dogs and trainers. It?s a wonderful opportunity for the public to observe just how intelligent dogs are and their incredible capabilities,? says Donna.

The Dog Agility demonstration was followed by the Fun Dog Show which had a wide variety of categories for people to enter their dogs and themselves into. Some of the categories included were ?Best Ex-Nelson SPCA Dog?, ?Best Trick?, ?Best Junior Handler? and ?Most Like Their Owner?.

People had the opportunity to enter into as many categories as they wished to show off their dog?s talents as well as their own. Once all the winners of each category were announced, the winners got the chance to enter for ?Best In Show?. This years Best In Show prize went to an Ex-Nelson SPCA Dog. Each winner got a goodie bag full of prizes kindly donated by Hills Pet Food, as well as a few gifts donated by local business?s and the SPCA.

?We had some very talented dogs and handlers enter the Dog Show. There were lots of children entering the competition this year which was great to see. Our main goal was for people to have fun with it and I think the competition was successful in creating that kind of atmosphere?.

In addition to all the doggy activities there was loads of entertainment on the day including the Mitre 10 Bouncy Castle, a petting zoo, face painting, balloon animals, an SPCA stand and a juke box playing fun tunes for the day. There were also a variety of refreshments available from home baking, tea and coffee, sausages and bacon sandwiches and cold drinks.

?We were pleased to see such a great turnout of people and we really owe it to them for the success of the event. We also couldn?t have done it without the generosity of our volunteer team and local business sponsors? says Donna.

Some of the business?s and organisations the Nelson SPCA would like to thank include Mitre 10 Mega, ASB Bank, Nelson City Council, Pestells Rai Bacon Company, Hirequip, Radio Nelson, Hills Pet Food, Quality Presentations, Fantasy Face Paints, The Dog Spa, The Nelson Dog Training Club, Pet Sitters & Natural Creatures.

The Nelson SPCA is a voluntary organisation and is not eligible for lottery commission grants. It relies solely on donations, bequests and fund-raising efforts.

Photos available on request ? we have photos of the day.
For more information contact SPCA Centre Manager Donna Walzl on 03 547 7171

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