CARE OF ANIMALS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20087, 26 October 1928, Page 14

CARE OF ANIMALS.

CHILDREN AND THEIR PETS.

annual parade at school.

DOGS. CATS, BIRDS AND A FROG

Tho enthusiasm with which children enter into any event was shown at the Meadow bank school yesterday, when "Pets' Day" was celebrated, the childien parading the animals which they care for in their homes. The occasion provides a means of bringing before children the necessity for treating animals kindly and with respect. It is arranged annually by the Society for tho Prevention of Cruelty (O Animals, in connection with Animal Wei faro Week, a Dominion-wide observance calculated to keep public interest sustained in the duty man owes to his dumb friends.

The special week commenced yesterday, and the Meadowbank school is the first in Auckland this year to hold un animal parade. Other schools will celebrate "Pets' Day" this afternoon. Tho custom is ono which is gaining ground in schools, being fostered ardently by tho society. Close 011 100 pets were brought to school by the Meadowbank children, who number about 400. With justifiable pride the happy owners mustered thenpets about one o'clock, taking them to tho parade ground—tennis courts to tho rear of the main school. A strange assortment of animals, representing a variety of tastes, had been produced from tho various homes in tlie district. Dogs predominated —big dogs, small dogs, fierce dogs and mild dogs. Kittens in arms, pigeons, canaries and rabbits also swelled the collection of animals. One small girl carried a frog, as though it were her most treasured possession.

Unfortunately rain marred the parade and, after being on show for about five minutes, tho animals had to be taken away and secured while the children went back to lessons.

Shortly after the conclusion of tho parade, the pupils of tho upper school were grouped in a room and an appro priatc address was given to tliern by Miss May Ivnight, a member of tho Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals The headmaster, Mr. J. F. Roberts, said the children greatly appreciated the opportunity given them to display their pets. They looked forward to the day and took great interest in the parade. It was something of a revelation to see the way they cared for their animal friends.