Gosport centre to hold event to teach families about caring for pets

THERE'S more to keeping a pet than meets the eye.
Shirley Arbon, chairwoman of the Community Animal Education Centre, with a chicken

Picture: Sarah Standing (160567-304)Shirley Arbon, chairwoman of the Community Animal Education Centre, with a chicken

Picture: Sarah Standing (160567-304)
Shirley Arbon, chairwoman of the Community Animal Education Centre, with a chicken Picture: Sarah Standing (160567-304)

That’s the message from Shirley Arbon from the Community Animal Education Centre in Gosport.

She spoke out ahead of the centre hosting workshops will teach children and parents the best way to care for their much-loved animals.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The event will encourage people to think more carefully about where they are getting their pets from.

Centre chairwoman Shirley said the day will help families learn about the commitment of looking after an animal.

She said: ‘You have to start with the children, as looking after a rabbit is not just about putting it in a hutch.

‘They need feeding, watering and cleaning. There’s a lot more to it.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Through talks, the volunteers from the centre will show visitors how to groom, clean, feed and handle their pets.

A number of animals will be on show including chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds.

Shirley added: ‘We hope that by showing the parents how to treat animals, the children will continue to follow in the right footsteps.’

Since opening in March last year, the centre has grown in popularity.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

After receiving a grant from Hampshire County Council and donations from Asda it was able to provide summer houses, aviaries, hutches and runs for the animals.

And it is working with nursing homes and other groups in the area to give adults the chance to interact with their animals.

Shirley said: ‘We want people to get hands-on experiences with our animals because we know that for some of the elderly community a pet can offer emotional support.

‘I’m grateful for all the people that have supported the centre.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Community Animal Education Centre is holding the event on Saturday, April 16 at 66 Old Road in Gosport. It runs from 11am until 2pm.

For more information on the event or to see what the centre does, visit its Facebook page by searching Fur and Feather Community Animal Education Centre.