SPCA Auckland urging families to take in chickens and goats

Wednesday, 26 September 2018

SPCA Auckland needs willing foster parents for its growing population of farm animals.

There's no more room on the farm at SPCA Auckland.

Overrun by farm animals this winter, the organisation is looking for foster families to provide temporary homes for some of its chickens, roosters, and goats.

An SPCA spokesperson says it is very reliant on foster parents for helping animals recover from surgery or dealing with behaviour issues.

Between July to September this year 20 farm animals were fostered, but the SPCA doesn't have any more foster homes available to send its waiting animals. In 2017 there were about 10 farm animals needing homes.

They need willing people to open their homes, the spokesperson says.

Chickens, roosters, pigs, sheep, and goats are some of the farm animals needing homes.

'There's not one thing we can pinpoint for the increase but we've found we need families. Even if it's just for a few days.'

Foster parents are volunteers who look after animals for any period of time, which can range from weeks to months, or longer, depending on the animal's needs.

The farm animals need space and a property with high fencing to keep animals contained, particularly jumping goats, the spokesperson says.

Foster homes will need high fencing to keep animals - particularly goats - contained, the SPCA says.

Fostering is free, with SPCA providing all food, vet treatment, and support. It is looking for people with lots of land and shelter for farm animals, including people living on lifestyle blocks or in rural areas.

For more information and to foster go to SPCA's website.