Robotic Dog Fetches Money For Spca On Net

MEDIACOM-RELEASE-HASBRO-&-SPCA-AUCKLAND

ROBOTIC DOG FETCHES MONEY FOR SPCA ON NET

New Zealand's first affordable robotic dog, Poo-Chi, went on- line today to raise money for its real-life pooch friends.

Poo-Chi, available in New Zealand toy stores from July 1st, is being auctioned through the Tiger Electronics website five days before it is available in stores, with money raised from the auction going to the SPCA Auckland. The auction was launched this afternoon at the SPCA village in Mangere.

To register a bid for one of these robotic pets, people simply log on to the Tiger website at www.tigertoys.co.nz and follow the prompt to the Poo-Chi tender site. People then fill in their details and specify how much they are willing to pay in New Zealand dollars for the toy. At the end of the four-day tender at 5.30pm on Thursday, the top ten bids will qualify to receive a Poo-Chi and money raised will go to the SPCA Auckland. SPCA Auckland executive director, Bob Kerridge, says the Poo-Chi toy is ideal for people who have always wanted a dog but have been too busy to look after one properly.

"All too often the SPCA encounter cases where people leave their dogs at home while they're at work leading to animal neglect. Poo- Chi is a perfect solution for these people, as the most serious thing that can happen is its batteries will run out," says Mr Kerridge.

Hasbro Product Manager, Sheryl Fenn, says Hasbro is thrilled to be helping the SPCA. "The number of Poo-Chis will be scarce when it goes on sale this Saturday because worldwide the demand is high. The Poo-Chi auction is a great and simple way to raise money for the SPCA. It's also ideal for people who want to check out Poo-Chi before it is available," says Sheryl.

"Poo-Chi is a perfect example of how toys are changing in the 21st century, it's much more interactive than the traditional cuddly toy. It's exciting that new media such as the internet allows children to see the new toys before buying," says Sheryl.

Poo-Chi sings, plays games and has an animated head, ears, legs and mouth. The puppy can stand, sit or dance on his tiptoes and senses light, sound and touch. Poo-Chi also communicates and interacts with other Poo-Chi.

Poo-Chi has been developed by Sega Toys and is manufactured in partnership with Tiger Electronics, the makers of Furby. Visit the Tiger Electronics site at www.tigertoys.co.nz see Poo- Chi in action.

Hasbro is a worldwide leader in children's, family leisure time and entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, KENNER, TONKA, ODDZON, SUPER SOAKER, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, HASBRO INTERACTIVE, MICROPROSE, GALOOB and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognisable play experiences in the world.

ENDS

MEDIA RELEASE FROM HASBRO & SPCA AUCKLAND

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