Stubbington Ark celebrates 30th birthday with open day

The RSPCA animal shelter held a fundraiser yesterday to celebrate the anniversary.

Hundreds of people went along to the Ark, in Fareham, to see the animals, take part in raffles, look at stalls and play games.

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

‘The day has been really good and we are 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 Stubbington Ark, off Ranvilles Lane, were able to see the animals they are looking to re-home 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 to the event.

Jessica, 33, said: ‘The work Stubbington Ark does is really important so I was happy to come down and 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 have 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 around £3,500 a day.

To help boost funds, they have four charity shops.

For more information please visit stubbingtonark.org.uk