World Animal Week

World Animal Week

Each year, the Royal New Zealand SPCA marks World Animal Week with a series of celebrations of animals and the joy they give us.

World Animal Week lasts from Oct 4 to Oct 10. However, there will be a number of activities taking place from Oct 1 onwards.

The start of October has been chosen for World Animal Week to coincide with the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and friend of all living things, on October 4.

Some high points will be:

OCTOBER 1 Masterton “Kids’ Day” at the Wairarapa SPCA Emphasis on ending abuse/neglect of both children and animals Contact: Val Ball (06 377 1912, 06377 1236

Christchurch Canterbury RSPCA’s giant annual fundraising stall in Cathedral Square Contact: Roger Wright (03 366 9733)

OCTOBER 2 Thames Children meet animals at Goldfied Shopping Centre Adoption of cats and dogs will be encouraged Contact: Tania Keane (07 868 6830, 0211 629 230)

Kerikeri Muttley Dog Show Prizes for “Best Look-a-Like Dog”, “Spottiest Dog”, “Most Unusual Dog”, “Waggiest Tail” etc. Contacts: Jim and Gail Boyd (09 407 7515)

OCTOBER 3 Christchurch Animal Blessing Service - Christchurch Cathedral (3.00 pm) Parade of animals around Cathedral Square (2.15 pm), followed by service inside Cathedral Contact: Roger Wright (03 366 9733)

Hamilton St Peter’s Cathedral (2.30 pm) Contact: Chris Wood (07 847 4868, 021 844 987)

Hampden, North Otago Animal Blessing Service - St. Stephen’s Church (10.00 am) Lots of baby lambs in the church and flocks of sheep at the church door Contacts: Marilyn Hunt, North Otago SPCA (03 431 7791), Rev. Helen Mann (03 455 8172) Kerikeri Animal Blessing Service - Saint James’ Church (10.30 am) Church is on site of presumed oldest in New Zealand Contacts: Jim and Gail Boyd (09 407 7515)

Masterton St Luke’s Church (2.00 pm) Emphasis on ending abuse/neglect of both children and animals Church will be dominated by yellow balloons and yellow T-shirts of children Contact: Val Ball (06 377 1912, 06377 1236

Nelson Animal Blessing Service – Nelson Cathedral Contact: Phillip Soper (03 547 7171)

New Plymouth Animal Blessing Service - St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral (10.00 am) Contact: Gwendoline Keel (06 769 8056)

Palmerston North Animal Blessing Service – St Peter’s Church (10.00 am) Contact: Liz Guthrie (06 358 8564, 06 357 2516)

Tauranga Animal Blessing Service - Te Puna Quarry (10.45 am) Outdoor service in former quarry turned into gardens with amphitheatre Weather conditions might necessitate date change Contacts: Adell Gilchrist (07 578 2784), Tony Marshall (07 548 0011)

OCTOBER 4 WORLD ANIMAL DAY – FEAST OF ST FRANCIS

Nationwide Launch of “Why Animals are Smarter than Us”. The latest in the acclaimed, best-selling “Smarter than Jack” series will be available in bookstores throughout New Zealand and from the Royal New Zealand SPCA. Book sales will help raise funding for the SPCA. Contact: Dr Andrew Whiteside – veterinarian/contributor (03 384 4288, 0274 340 002) Alternative Contact: Vivienne Jeffs, Smarter than Jack Limited (04 381 4446) Auckland Launch of “Father & Son-The Bob Kerridge Story” - biography of Auckland SPCA Chief Executive Venue: Hopetown Alpha, 19 Beresford Square, Auckland (6.15 pm.) Contact: Bob Kerridge (09 256 7300, 0274 959 449)

OCTOBER 10 Auckland Animal Blessing Service - St Matthew-in-the-City (11.30 am) Preceded by Breakfast in Albert Park ( 9.00am) and “The Great Animal Walk” (10.45 am) Service held on anniversary of Auckland SPCA’s founding in 1883 Contact: Bob Kerridge (09 256 7300, 0274 959 449)

Christchurch (Riccarton) Animal Blessing Service - St Peters Church, Upper Riccarton (9.30 am) Contact: Roger Wright (03 366 9733)

Upper Hutt Animal Blessing Service – St Hilda’s Church (4.00 pm) Contact: Lisa Webling (04 566 1008)

© Scoop Media