All creatures large and small on show at busy pet fair

PETS of all shapes and sizes were celebrated at a packed event in Portsmouth.
Terry Picton, 46, from Hilsea, with Roxy, Ronnie and Peggy the bulldogs Pictures: Kimberley BarberTerry Picton, 46, from Hilsea, with Roxy, Ronnie and Peggy the bulldogs Pictures: Kimberley Barber
Terry Picton, 46, from Hilsea, with Roxy, Ronnie and Peggy the bulldogs Pictures: Kimberley Barber

More than 3,000 visitors came from all over to the Hampshire Pet Fair, which returned for its second year to the Mountbatten Centre, in Stamshaw, on Saturday.

The fair featured animal encounters, dog shows, reptiles and exotic pets, ferret racing, pony rides, food and refreshments, children’s activities and shopping, charity stalls, plus much more.

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Samantha Paterson, who organised the event with Sarah-Jayne Andrew from Hants Events, said: ‘It was great. We had a lovely day.

Terry Picton, 46, from Hilsea, with Roxy, Ronnie and Peggy the bulldogs Pictures: Kimberley BarberTerry Picton, 46, from Hilsea, with Roxy, Ronnie and Peggy the bulldogs Pictures: Kimberley Barber
Terry Picton, 46, from Hilsea, with Roxy, Ronnie and Peggy the bulldogs Pictures: Kimberley Barber

‘There were so many people there. We had cats visiting on harnesses, and I even saw a man with a rat and a ferret on his shoulder.’

This year was the first time dogs were allowed and many brought unusual breeds to showcase them in the dog shows.

Lauren Allen, 25, from Southsea, was there with her 18-week old Chiweenie puppy called Koko. She said: ‘It is a really good event. It is great to get out and socialise Koko.’

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People of all ages were at the fair. Ellie Holder, 11, was with her sister, Millie, seven, and mum Louise Fry, 31, and stepdad Wayne Fry, 41, from Waterlooville.

Alpacas from Miniature Mayhem mobile farmAlpacas from Miniature Mayhem mobile farm
Alpacas from Miniature Mayhem mobile farm

The girls, who have two dogs, two rabbits, two axolotls, a bearded dragon and mice at home, were getting hands-on with the goats at the Miniature Mayhem mobile petting zoo.

Ellie said: ‘It is really good. The best bit has been the alpacas, they were cute.’

Cherry Lewis, 29, from Farnborough, was with Charlotte Davison, 24, and their dogs, at the day. She said: ‘There’s lots to do here, it’s great, especially just for £3 entrance.’

A charity dog walk to raise funds for Canine Partners also took place.

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