Over the weekend, volunteers from Te Are Manu arrived to find a heartbreaking surprise – several young kittens had been dumped at the clinic while it was closed, writes Dr Rose Hasegawa, medical director Te Are Manu Vet Clinic.

Left in a bag with no food, water, or shelter, these tiny animals were frightened, vulnerable, and lucky to have survived the night.

Sadly, this is not the first time this has happened. While we understand that people may be struggling to care for unwanted litters, dumping animals at the vet clinic – especially when it is closed – is not only unsafe for the animals but also deeply irresponsible.

We want to remind our community that there is help available. Te Are Manu offers free desexing services to prevent unwanted litters. If cost or transport is an issue, please contact us – we are here to work with you to find a solution. Desexing your pet is one of the most important things you can do to prevent overpopulation and reduce the number of animals who end up homeless or neglected.

If you find yourself in a situation where you can no longer care for your pet, there are options. The SPCA and Paws and Claws, our local animal sanctuaries, can assist with rehoming animals when needed. While resources are limited and these organisations rely heavily on volunteers and donations, they do their best to help animals find safe and loving homes.

However, the long-term solution lies in prevention. Every kitten or puppy born without a plan for its future adds pressure to our small island’s animal welfare network. Responsible pet ownership means planning ahead, ensuring animals are desexed, and reaching out for help before things become unmanageable.

We know that most people in Rarotonga love their pets and want what’s best for them. That’s why we’re asking our community to come together, support desexing programmes and spread the word about the resources available. By working together, we can create a kinder and more sustainable future for all animals on our island.

If you need assistance with desexing, surrendering a pet, or general pet care advice, please don’t wait until it’s too late. Reach out to Te Are Manu, the SPCA, or Paws and Claws.

Let’s stop the cycle of unwanted animals and ensure every pet in Rarotonga is treated with the care and respect they deserve. Don’t dump – desex, ask for help, and be part of the solution.