SPCA AUCKLAND

26 September 2011

MAYHEM AT ST MATTHEW

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The animals are gathering for the most fascinating event of the year, the annual SPCA Auckland Blessing of the Animals at St Matthew-In-The-City. Traditionally animals of all species, from burly bulls to minuscule mice, and everything in between, fill the church to celebrate the animal kingdom with their human families.

"The result is sheer pandemonium" says SPCA Auckland Executive Director Bob Kerridge, who has been responsible for the last 27 years for organising the event. "Each year I have never failed to be amused and amazed at the animal cacophony joining in the singing of the hymns".

The service, which is held in many countries in the world, is held on the nearest Sunday to the Feast of St Francis, the recognised Patron Saint of Animals. This year the event is arranged for Sunday, 2nd October at 1.00pm, preceded by a walk with the animals up Queen Street leaving downtown's Elizabeth Square at 12.15pm.

Included in the festivities will be the stars from Shortland Street reading some amusing prayers for the animals, a pipe band and a moving candle ceremony. Wilf Holt, Deacon of St Matthew and Patron of SPCA Auckland, will deliver the address.

"It is expected that with the influx of International visitors for the Rugby World Cup this service will have a 'global' flavour to it", says Bob Kerridge. "I have no doubt we will have some British cats and bulldogs, French poodles, Burmese and Siamese felines, Swiss Mountain dogs, German Shepherds, and maybe even some canaries from the canary Islands!" he quipped.

ENDS

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