A record number of animals have been adopted out by the Dunedin SPCA this month, after a massive public response in the wake of several instances of dumped pets earlier this month.
Otago SPCA chairwoman Sharon Lont said more than 100 animals had been adopted since the Opoho haven reopened on January 4.
She attributed the "record" number of adoptions to publicity generated in the wake of a holiday season in which an unusually high number of animals were abandoned around Otago.
SPCA Opoho haven manager Brenda Stuart said the public response had been "amazing".
The SPCA facility had been inundated at the end of last year and was "busting at the seams" with more than 200 animals in care.
"The majority of animals being adopted are cats and kittens. We've had 11 dogs go out to homes, a rabbit, even a couple of rats, and a chook," she said.
The only other time the SPCA has experienced a rush on adoptions similar to the recent surge in demand was when promotions had been held, which offered cats and kittens free, Ms Stuart said.
