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 SPCA Canterbury is one of 48 SPCA organisations throughout New Zealand and is a branch of RNZSPCA, the national headquarters, based in Auckland.
SPCA Canterbury strives to work on behalf of all animals within its region. The organisation has an animal centre in Christchurch and has a staff of 19 which includes five inspectors, field officers, an education officer, a promotional officer, receptionists, and animal attendants. The animal centre also runs a volunteer programme and an SPCA for Kids club. As with all SPCAs in New Zealand, the Canterbury branch is governed by a committee.
SPCA work includes inspectorate, ambulance, adoption, education and other services such as reuniting lost pets with their owners. Staff often work long hours in employment that is both rewarding and heartbreaking.
They not only work with animals but also with people offering help and advice. Because the relationship between animals and people is so closely connected, one cannot be considered without the other. Public education is paramount to the welfare of animals now and in the future.
SPCAs throughout New Zealand work hard to be the voice of the animals, advocating fairness, understanding and justice on their behalf.
Fiona Maddison grew up with animals in her family ― mostly cats and dogs. As a child she saved hungry hedgehogs, injured birds, rogue rabbits, stroppy sheep and whatever else that needed help. As a teenager, she spent most of her days riding horses along the southern shores of Southland, NZ.
Fiona now advocates for animals, joining SPCA Canterbury in 2008 as a volunteer. In 2009, she took on the role of promotions officer for the organisation. Her various duties include public relations, sponsorship, fundraising, events, and volunteer co-ordination. She has a background in writing and photography and anything creative.
Image: Looking after animals in all shapes and sizes is all in a day's work for animal attendant, Jane.
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