WSPCA to hold first animal welfare day
Wicklow SPCA will present its first ever one day workshop highlighting the importance of animal welfare this Sunday, August 21, at Sharpeshill Animal Sanctuary.
During the day, a presentation of the ‘Kathy Smale Memorial Act of Kindness Award’ will also be made to a deserving winner.
Speakers at the event will include Gerry Creighton of Dublin Zoo, who will speak on their elephant breeding programme, and Mairead Berkley of Avondale Veterinarians in Arklow, who will highlight to legal requirement to microchip dogs and horses and the benefits of doing so. In support of this and to make it easier for WSPCA supporters and members, dogs will be micro-chipped on the day at a reduced rate of €15 per dog, rather than the usual €30 rate.
The Irish Seal Sanctuary will talk about ‘What to do’ or, more importantly, ‘What not to do’ if you come across seal pups or an injured seal along the Wicklow coastline.
The presentation of the ‘Kathy Smale Memorial Act of Kindness Award’ will take place at 2 p.m.
Nicola Lawlor proprietor at ‘Doggywood Grooming’ in Kilmacanogue and animal welfare supporter will give demonstrations of dog grooming. Pat Conroy, a well known dog show judge, will provide a demonstration and presentation on what a judge looks for and how to prepare a dog for a show.
Past animal welfare officer and vet with the Department of Agriculture, Pat Byrne, will discuss the positive implications of animal welfare, the farming community and the animals’ in our care. Enda Mullen and Gillian Stuart from the National Park and Wildlife Services will talk about the conservation work they carry out while working with wildlife in Glendalough and other national parks.
Irish Bat Rescue will be present to help everyone learn more about Ireland ‘s bat population, as well as debunking some myths about bats, while the Irish Donkey Sanctuary will also be in attendance to provide information about these wonderful animals and how people can help their carers to rescue and re-home them.
It is also hoped to have tented village so the speakers can talk to members of the public in a more personal setting.