Animals

There is no shortage of possums in built-up areas of Dunedin, judging by the response to a request from AgResearch scientists wanting to capture the animal alive.

2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity. Andrea Crawford, of the Department of Conservation, finds a small island just off the coast from Dunedin is providing just the sort of habitat the year is designed to promote.

Watching an endangered yellow-eyed penguin dive into the sea and make its way back to its nest, gave no indication that three weeks ago its prognosis was not so good, after a leg injury.

Halfway Bush resident Catherine O'Donnell has firm views on what should happen to the person or people who dumped nine cats, mostly kittens, near her home on the outskirts of Dunedin.

Following a stoat plague in 2008, which ravaged the takahe population, the numbers of the flightless bird are set to increase again.

Violent abuse of animals in New Zealand is growing and more bizarre cases are being reported, says SPCA head Bob Kerridge.

At 19, Dunedin dog JD appears to be holding on to the title of Otago's oldest dog, but he will have to live a few more years to become the oldest dog ever.

Mike Teasdale admits he and wife Lynne are "terrible softies" Their three children are grown up but they still require the services of a babysitter only now it is for their favourite pet - a curly coat retriever named Wilson.

Just over $3500 was raised on Friday from donations and a silent auction at Tatler restaurant and bar for the Otago SPCA.

Having adopted one cat, two dogs and even a horse from the Otago SPCA, Marjorie Orr will be collecting for the organisation's national appeal in Dunedin today.

The inaugural parade, which will become an annual event, attracted about 60 children and a wide range of pets.