A person claiming to have links to SPCA Otago, and who preferred not to be named, contacted the Otago Daily Times recently outlining these matters.
SPCA Otago executive director Sophie McSkimming confirmed there had been no inspector in the region since December 11 and said four had resigned in the past two years.
Another inspector had changed roles but remained within the organisation.
Animal welfare had not suffered because of it, she said.
"Two new inspectors will start on the 16th and 24th of February,'' Ms McSkimming said in an emailed response.
"By the end of February, we expect to have four warranted inspectors based in Otago.''
Ms McSkimming said there had been no prosecutions in Otago in the past two years, but it was not due to a lack of inspectors.
She said the lack of prosecutions was not unusual.
"We always had access to warranted inspectors when required. Historically, prosecution numbers have always been low in Otago.''
Ms McSkimming said having no inspector did not mean recent cases could not be investigated.
"We have had warranted inspectors available at all times.
"Our director of animal welfare has handled all incoming complaints, with support from other organisations such as police and council, where required.
"We also have warranted inspectors outside Otago on standby, but to date we have not needed to use this assistance.''
Staff numbers had increased over the past two years from seven to 15, Ms McSkimming said.
"The SPCA's committee has made significant structural changes over the last three years so that we can deliver sustainable prevention of cruelty to animals in Otago.
"The committee is very pleased with the progress and growth achieved by our professional and qualified management team.''
Former SPCA Otago inspector Rachel Stedman confirmed she had left the organisation recently but said "unfortunately'' she was unable to comment on why she left.
"I do support their work,'' she said.
Figures supplied by the SPCA national support office stated 40 new cases had been brought before the courts nationally in 2014.
This figure did not indicate cases already in progress from 2013 or new cases being prepared.
A breakdown of regional cases brought before the courts was not supplied and the types of cases was not available.
