MEDIA RELEASE

October 2013

Blessing of the Animals Service 2013

The Anglican church of St Matthew-In-The-City will echo with the meows, barks, chirps, brays, and whoops of all creatures great and small during the annual SPCA Auckland Blessing of the Animals Service on Sunday 6 October.

“Officially a celebration of the life of St Francis of Assisi, the service offers Aucklanders the chance to bring their companion animals to church to celebrate their lives together and the presence of animals everywhere,” says Bob Kerridge, Executive Director, SPCA Auckland.

Prior to the service, a wide variety of people and animals will congregate in Elizabeth Square at 12 noon for The Great Animal Walk up Queen Street, accompanied by the skirl of the City of Manukau Pipe Band, the SPCA Auckland Dog Squad, and Outreach Therapy Pets.

“All creatures great and small are welcome but, for the safety of the animals and the comfort of others, all dogs and larger animals must be on a lead, and all smaller animals must be protected in carry cases. Plastic bags, or pooper scoopers, are of course essential accessories,” says Mr Kerridge.

“The service itself is huge fun and is often sheer pandemonium with a mixture of cats, dogs, fish, mice, goats, lambs, birds and donkeys joining in ‘singing’ the hymns.

“A special feature of the service is the ‘Prayers from the Ark’ where animals of all species can offer their humorous prayers. For those animals that don’t actually speak English, their prayers will be read by staff, executives and board members from SPCA Auckland.”

SPCA Auckland gratefully acknowledges the support and assistance of the clergy and staff of St Matthew-In-The-City and visiting clergy, Auckland Council, NZ Police, Junelle Groves, City of Manukau Pipe Band, SPCA Auckland Dog Squad, Outreach Therapy Pets, Organist Michael Bell, and the people of Auckland (and their animals).

ENDS

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