Eve keeps her Christmas spirit, depite being starved almost to death...

A very special dog arrived at the Auckland SPCA’s Animal Village on 24th December 2007 aptly named by SPCA staff, 'Eve'. She had been locked under her owners’ house and left to starve for at least four to five weeks without food or water and as a result she is extremely emaciated.

Eve’s case is one of the most severe starvations the staff has witnessed in the many years of caring for Auckland’s sick, injured and unwanted animals. Despite her horrendous and inhumane treatment, Eve has the sweetest forgiving nature and has really touched the hearts of the Auckland SPCA staff & Volunteers with her Christmas spirit.

Struggling to get out of her bed to give a staff member a wag of her tail and kiss on the nose, Eve is definitely a survivor.

[Auckland SPCA] Inspector Todd Neal was called to the Glen Innes property and was shocked to find the one year-old ridgeback cross puppy. “I was extremely disheartened especially at this time of year to find such a case of blatant cruelty. This is the thinnest dog I have seen in my nine years with Auckland SPCA”, said Inspector Neal.

Every effort will be expended by the Auckland SPCA Inspectorate team to locate and prosecute the owners.

General Manager David Lloyd-Barker said, ”When Todd brought Eve in [to the SPCA Village] my first reaction was one of anger that people could do this to a living thing. We will find the people who did this and they will be brought before a court to answer for their actions.”

Eve’s recovery will be a slow and painstaking journey as she is feed small amounts often, until her digestive system can once again get used to food and essential nutrients for her continued survival.

Eve’s progress will be updated on our Auckland SPCA blog-site and also on our official website (www.spca.org.nz)

Donations gratefully received via our website here.