KTown Community Animal Welfare Society, or KTown CAW, in Kawerau, has been quietly tackling the region’s animal overpopulation crisis.

Since opening in 2020, the organisation has desexed more than 1359 animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, and even a horse. Every effort is aimed at reducing the number of unwanted animals and preventing the endless cycle of “free” animals being dumped into the community.

Its message is clear: desex your animals to be part of the solution.

Don’t give away animals without getting them then desexed first, as cats can get pregnant from around four months old, and dogs from around five months, depending on breed.

“There are too many animals and not enough homes,” volunteer Carey Conn said.

“Less unwanted animals mean less cruelty. We need the whole community to get involved in helping reduce the numbers of unwanted animals being born. We cannot do it alone.

“Cats and dogs will usually also be healthier and safer after desexing as they will be less prone to certain types of cancers, and less prone to wandering, fighting, getting lost, or hit by a vehicle.”

The founder of KTown CAW, Julia Stevenson-Renwick, previously volunteered as the centre manager at Kawerau SPCA.

When that was closed in 2020, she was concerned that there was still a huge need in Kawerau for an animal welfare centre. One month after the SPCA closed, she founded KTown Community Animal Welfare Society.

Ms Stevenson-Renwick has been nationally recognised for her devotion to animal welfare, receiving a medal at the St Francis of Assisi Awards from Companion Animals New Zealand in 2024. The award is given to individuals in recognition of outstanding service to animals.

The centre is limited in what it can accept. The old SPCA building that the Kawerau District Council allows the charity to operate as a temporary shelter can accommodate only a limited number of cats and kittens.

“Many people come to us expecting us to rehome their excess animals.

“We can’t always help; there are too many,” Ms Stevenson-Renwick said.

“We are not miracle workers and there is a limit to what we can do. There is only one solution to the problem of too many animals, and that is for people to desex their animals.”

The centre’s volunteers – none of whom are paid – rely on donations and community support to keep going.

Every penny after paying overhead expenses goes to the animals, funding desexing in the community, as well as preparing animals in the centre for rehoming, which includes desexing, vaccinations, flea and worm treatment, micro-chipping/registration with New Zealand Companion Animal Register, food and care. Community services cardholders in Kawerau can access desexing assistance for their animals, and occasional “Dog Welfare Days” offer free desexing for qualifying pets.

But space remains a big challenge. The organisation is actively seeking support from the council to secure land where it can establish a new centre. Volunteers also hope that raising awareness will help attract more helpers.

“Kawerau has a real need for this kind of facility,” Ms Stevenson-Renwick said.

“We’re doing our best with what we have, but we need more support – and more hands to help.

“Also, people really do need to realise that when they take on an animal, it’s a 15-to-19-year commitment, or longer.”

As the organisation continues its vital work, volunteers hope the community will rally behind the need for a permanent space for a centre, and people to help.

“We couldn’t do it without our amazing volunteers, I am very thankful to the people who give up their time to ensure we can continue this crucial work,” said Ms Stevenson-Renwick.

To find out more, adopt a pet, volunteer or donate, stop into the op shop at 5 Liverpool Street, open 10am-3pm Monday-Friday.

All animals ready for adoption are vaccinated, microchipped, registered with NZCAR, desexed, wormed and flea treated before going to their new homes.

The adoption cost for cats and kittens is $100 to go towards costs, which are much higher.