Here at Wellington SPCA, we are extremely lucky to work alongside a volunteer section called the Animal Rescue Unit (ARU). The ARU is a unique concept in Australasia, and they provide our community with specialist skills to humanely rescue animals from dangerous situations.

As an example of the work the ARU does, in July a very large Mastiff Cross dog fell off the side of a cliff, and was stuck halfway down. Luckily, the team have trained in cliff rescues, and they were able to retrieve the very grateful dog.

The ARU team encompasses a wide variety of people, from a kindergarten teacher to a project manager. What they have in common is they’re physically fit, like the outdoors and have a passion for animal welfare. Some people have no experience and they’re looking to get some. Not all members had much experience before they started but the ARU provides full training.

“We have both internal and NZQA units,” says Blair Hillyard, the Rescue Manager. “We’ll on track to obtaining 16 national certificates at our ceremony in December”.

Seven of the members will be receiving National Certificates in Specialist Rescue Rope Technician, six will be getting National Certificates in Urban Search & Rescue Operations, and three will earn National Certificates as Specialist Rescue Rope Instructors.

“There are very few people in New Zealand at that level,” says Blair, “it’s a very elite group”.

Their dedication and the high level of training the ARU have attained and continue to hone, ensures happy outcomes for many animals.

The current team has been together for several years, and has demonstrated their commitment to safety when dealing with animals in some very trying situations such as after Christchurch earthquake. We’ll have more on those particular rescues soon…