The Ministry of Health???s Animal Control Centre, in collaboration with The Veterinary Services Unit and Roberts Manufacturing Co. Ltd., has embarked on a week of activities from Sunday, September 29, to Sunday, October 6, to mark World Animal Day on Friday, October 4.

The Day, which was established in 1931 in Florence, Italy, is set aside to celebrate animal life of all species. The week will begin on Sunday, September 29, with a church service at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church, Black Rock, St. Michael, beginning at 8:00 a.m.

On Monday, September 30, staff of the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation and the Barbados Government Information Service will join officers from the Animal Control Centre on a ride-a-long in various communities, starting at 9:30 a.m.

There will be a schools outreach programme on Tuesday, October 1, and Thursday, October 3, to sensitise children about the responsibilities of owning pets. Representatives from the Centre will first visit West Terrace Primary and Good Shepherd Primary schools on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. respectively. And, on Thursday, they will visit the Ellerslie Secondary School at 1:00 p.m.

Members of the public will get an opportunity to learn more about licensing dogs on Wednesday, October 2, when a team from the Centre holds a community outreach at Cave Shepherd & Co. Ltd in The City, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

On that same day, there will be a panel discussion on Developing a Breeders??? Registry at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church, Black Rock, St. Michael, beginning at 8:00 p.m.

The group of panellists who will include, President of the Veterinary Association, Dr. Agustus Reader; Chief Inspector of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Wayne Norville; Pharmacist and former dog breeder, Roger Maynard; Sean Howell from the Barbados Kennel Club; and Veterinarian, Dr. Patricia Bedford, will discuss topics such as Breed Acceptance, Importation and Banning.

The Centre will host an Open Day on World Animal Day, Friday, October 4, at its Black Rock, St. Michael location from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The first five dogs to arrive at the Open Day will be pampered and treated to various grooming services.

The main event for the week will be a Dog Fair which will be held on the grounds of Roberts Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Lower Estate, St. Michael, on Saturday, October 5, and Sunday, October 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

melissa.rollock@barbados.gov.bb

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