Story: Pets

Formation of SPCAs in New Zealand

The first New Zealand branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was set up in Canterbury in 1882. Following this, more branches were established around the country, starting in major towns and cities, and later spreading to country districts. A federation of SPCAs was established in 1933, and in 1980 this was reorganised as the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty for Animals (RNZSPCA).

Roll your mouse over the cities and towns to find out when various SPCA branches were founded.

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Source: Veronika Thornburrow, ed, An introduction to the history of the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Auckland: RNZSPCA, 1993, pp. 64–65

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Pets - Animal welfare history', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/interactive/19741/formation-of-spcas-in-new-zealand (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 24 Nov 2008