An influx of unwanted puppies has pushed Ōpōtiki animal rescue charity Opo Pups to breaking point, with 35 puppies taken in over just a few days.

Volunteer-run by Marliese Kristiansen, the charity has been inundated since last Friday, forcing her to source huge quantities of food and supplies while trying to care for the growing number of animals.

“We have had 35 puppies dropped off since Friday and we are completely inundated; it’s a mess,” Kristiansen said.

“The most heartbreaking were six that a fantastic member of the public found in a cardboard box on the side of the road.”

The puppies were taken to a local veterinary clinic for assessment before being placed in Opo Pups’ care.

“The six puppies found in the box had been on the side of the road for a while and it was just fortunate that someone investigated the box,” she said.

“They went to the vet first to be checked out, but the vets simply don’t have room to hold on to them, so I will be picking them up straight away.”

Kristiansen said the sudden influx had almost doubled the number of dogs already being cared for by the charity.

“I already have about 30 dogs and puppies in my care. Over one weekend that number has almost doubled. These are puppies that need food, veterinary care, warm beds, foster homes, love and safety.”

The sudden increase has also placed significant financial and logistical pressure on the charity.

“I have nearly bought the whole of Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne out of pet food and supplies to look after them,” Kristiansen said.

“Yesterday, I bought the Kmart in Whakatāne completely out of puppy pads, and I will be going in again today to get more.”

Despite already operating beyond capacity, Kristiansen said turning the puppies away was never an option.

“People often ask why I keep taking them, but what am I supposed to do? Leave six tiny, worm-infested, hungry puppies in a box because I don’t have room?”

Kristiansen said the latest influx highlighted an ongoing problem she has been warning about for several years.

“The issue really stems from people not desexing their pets, and with all the rescues, pounds and shelters already at capacity, people cannot find anywhere for them, so they get dumped.”

The charity has repeatedly called for greater awareness around responsible pet ownership, saying desexing is one of the most effective ways to reduce the number of unwanted litters entering already stretched rescue organisations.

Last year, Opo Pups warned that cases of neglected, abandoned and abused dogs had reached crisis levels across the district, with unwanted litters placing increasing pressure on volunteer rescue groups.

While the community has continued to rally behind the charity through donations, fostering and rehoming efforts, Kristiansen said the latest surge showed the underlying problem had not gone away.

However, she hopes that the desexing campaign by Ōpōtiki Vets will help alleviate the problem in the future.

Despite the challenges, she remains grateful for the support shown by local residents, whose generosity continues to help Opo Pups care for animals in need while searching for permanent homes.

Can you help?

If you want to help Marli and Opo Pups, you can donate to ŌpōtikiVets account

06-0869-0758571-001 with the reference – OPO PUPS 33065