Stubbington Ark's 30th birthday celebrations

The RSPCA animal shelter held a fundraiser to celebrate the anniversary and hundreds of people went along to the Ark, at Fareham, to see the animals, take part in raffles, browse stalls and play games.

Rachel Hall, business and income generation manager, said the event was a success.

‘The day was really good and we’re pleased with how it went,’ she said.

‘I wanted to do something to mark our 30th anniversary but also raise some money and awareness for what we do.

‘We rely heavily on donations from the public so it was good to get them to the Ark so they could see the important work we do.

‘Events like this aren’t something we tend to do but maybe this will become an annual day.’

Visitors to the Ark, off Ranvilles Lane, were able to see the animals looking for new homes and look around some of the stalls.

There was also a dog show with some of the animals at the Ark, and cake for the birthday celebration.

Jessica White, from Fareham, took her daughter Emily. Jessica, 33, said: ‘The work Stubbington Ark does is really important so I was happy to contribute towards them.

‘It was really lovely seeing the dog show but really sad as well. I would have loved to take them all home.’

Mark Jackson and his girlfriend Amy Lawson, from Gosport, were visiting the shelter for the first time.

Amy, 23, said: ‘I had heard of the Stubbington Ark but never been down to see them.

‘I didn’t realise how many pets they help or how much they rely on public donations.’

At full capacity, Stubbington Ark can look after 150 dogs and 126 cats but it would cost about £3,500 a day.

To help boost funds it has four charity shops.

For more information visit stubbingtonark.org.uk.

Pictures: Keith Woodland.

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