Wellington, May 23 NZPA - The Government will help the furry members of society with an $8.2 million boost in animal welfare funding.

The budget allocated $5m to animal welfare enforcement, $2m for a review of the Animal Welfare Act and $1.2m for SPCA enforcement work.

The $8.2m is over four years, and was reprioritised from other Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry spending.

Agriculture Minister David Carter said the funding was government recognition of the importance of animal welfare.

"Most New Zealanders will not tolerate cruelty to animals and extra support for the Royal New Zealand SPCA will ensure greater focus on enforcement."