Media release

11 November 2009

A recent Lion Foundation grant will assist the Taupo SPCA with its new state-of-the-art facilities, benefitting both animals and the community.

A $50,000 grant from the charitable trust will help with the construction and fit out costs of the animal centre, which will feature assessment, isolation, quarantine and veterinary facilities for the approximately 700 animals the Taupo SPCA cares for annually.

Faye Johnson, Strategic Project Manager, Taupo SPCA says the facility will benefit animals, the community and the organisation’s 112 volunteers.

“Our new centre will help the many animals that come into our care,” says Ms Johnson. “We will be able to house up to 30 dogs and puppies and up to 50 cats and 30 kittens, as well as provide facilities for small animals such as rabbits, rats and guinea pigs, and large animals like goats, pigs and horses.

The centre will also enable the volunteer run organisation to offer a range of quality services to its community; increasing the number of school visits, holding educational presentations, conducting animal temperament and medical assessments, and providing a wealth of animal welfare information.

Well known for its ‘adoption’ service, the Taupo division is aiming to become a one-stop-shop for people wanting a new family member.

“Our shop will sell Starter Packs that contain everything that someone needs to take their new pet home,” says Ms Johnson. “We are about life long adoptions – friendships for life – and our animals are orphans, rather than strays.”

Ms Johnson adds: “The Taupo SPCA is supported by the wider community, and we are very grateful for The Lion Foundation’s generosity and involvement.”

Operating for over 20 years and one of the country’s most widely respected charitable trusts, The Lion Foundation is proud to assist worthy causes in the community through the distribution of funds raised through its gaming venues at Finn MacCuhals and Pitch in Taupo.

“The Taupo SPCA fulfils an important community service – it encompasses the needs of all animals and helps educate the community on animal care,”says The Lion Foundation Chief Executive Phil Holden.

“This new facility will provide the region with a versatile and modern centre that will cater for its animal welfare needs for many decades to come. We are proud to support the Taupo SPCA, its volunteers, the animals and the community service being provided.”

The Lion Foundation funds a wide range of arts, cultural, community, sporting, educational and health focused causes. This approach has been in place for many years and is designed to ensure the charitable trust’s support reaches as many New Zealand communities as possible.

ENDS

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