Shut down Spencer Park

Shut Down Spencer Park

New Zealand’s Animal Welfare Act outlines the rights of animals to sufficient food and water, protection from disease, appropriate handling, adequate shelter and the opportunity to display normal patterns of behaviour.

Unfortunately, an animal park run by Christchurch City Council is leaving rabbits, ducks, chickens and other birds without many of these fundamental rights.

Animals are routinely being denied adequate access to clean water, food and healthcare, and left in barren, unsafe conditions.

One rabbit, Fred, had to be seized by Christchurch Rabbit Rescue due to severe neglect. Fred was found in critical condition, living in his own excrement. Fred is sadly still suffering from stress-induced heart problems and acute dehydration. Another eyewitness found birds that were so hungry, they began attacking and eating each other.

Christchurch City Council is failing to adequately provide for the animals in their care, despite several requests for change by animal welfare agencies.

No more chances. Help us close the doors on Spencer Park for good.

Take action

Urge Mayor Mauger and Christchurch City Council to shut down Spencer Park

After failing to act on multiple animal welfare complaints over several years, SAFE is urging Mayor Mauger and the Councillors of Christchurch City to shut down the animal facilities at Spencer Park.

To ensure that the animals receive the care they deserve, local rescue groups have kindly offered to rehabilitate the remaining animals.

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Dear Mayor Mauger and the Councillors of Christchurch City,

I am writing to express my grave concerns regarding the neglect of animals at Spencer Park. Multiple eyewitness reports found rabbits, ducks, chickens and other birds to be suffering without access to clean water, food and basic healthcare. Under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, all animals have a right to proper and sufficient care, and must have their physical, health and behavioural needs met.

Some animals have been found in critical condition and had to be seized by local rescue groups to receive urgent veterinary attention. One rabbit, Fred, was found severely fatigued, dehydrated and living in his own excrement. Fred is still suffering from stress-induced heart problems and is losing function in his hind legs. Another witness found birds to be dying of starvation, and subsequently driven to attack and eat each other.

Christchurch City Council has already received many complaints from concerned members of the public over several years and has failed to take adequate remedial action. Neither Christchurch City Council, nor the Park Rangers employed to manage the facilities, are taking sufficient responsibility for the animals under their care. I urge you to put the health and welfare of animals first, and shut down this animal park without delay.

Local rescue groups have kindly offered to rehabilitate and rehome the remaining animals.

Ngā mihi

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Shut down
Spencer Park

Shut down
Spencer Park