Animal open day in Gosport is big success

Rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs and birds were on display for children to learn how to look after them.

The event was organised by the Community Animal Education Centre, in Gosport, to inform families of the responsibilities of looking after pets.

Visitor Christine Turner, who lives near the centre off Old Road, said the work it does is important.

‘I think it is a fantastic idea for them to hold open days like this one,’ she said.

‘It is lovely and the day seemed to go really well.

‘For a group like this, they have to start small and grow and that is definitely what is happening.

‘It is wonderful what they do and it is important that families learn how to care for pets properly. This is a good way of doing it.’

The open day held on Saturday was attended by the mayor and mayoress of Gosport, Cllr Keith Farr and his wife June, as well as councillors Peter Edgar and June Cully.

Neighbours also popped along as well as families with young children.

Joy Hammond, a committee member, said: ‘The event went really well and the rain held off which was great.

‘We were happy with the turnout and people were interested in what we were doing.’

Chairman of the Community Animal Education Centre, Shirley Arbon, agreed. She added: ‘We have a lot of support as a centre so I was thrilled with the number of people who turned up.

‘We just want people to know there is a lot of responsibility when it comes to looking after a pet.

‘That’s why we wanted to hold the open day. It gave children the chance to learn how to properly groom, feed and clean out a range of small pets.

‘Those lessons they learn will stay with them as they grow up and have other animals.’

The Community Animal Education Centre is holding another event later this month.

It will be having a spring fair on Saturday, April 30 at 61 Old Road, Gosport, from 11am until 1pm, and will be raising money for the centre.

To donate items for it visit the group’s Facebook page.