Concerns raised over centre’s ‘pet parties’ for children
A RESCUE centre has come under fire for advertising its animals as being available for £85-a-time “pet parties”.
Bridgend Animal Rescue Centre – aka Barc – has received a barrage of criticism for offering up a selection of “healthy, happy” rescue pets – from “bunnies to dogs, birds, guinea pigs and parrots” – as entertainment during kids’ birthday bashes.
Barc’s Facebook site states children will be able to “feed and groom the animals” as well as receiving a “pet party goodie bag filled with sweets, cup drinks, treats and balloons”.
The hour-long “pet corners” are priced at £85, with all proceeds going to help fund the centre and the treatment it gives.
However, despite the moneyraising element and the centre’s reassurances that they’re fully licensed and insured – along with all the animals being “fully assessed” – some have reacted angrily to the idea.
“What an awful thing to subject these animals to,” wrote one on Facebook.
“Stress can do odd things to even the gentlest of animals and these poor things have already been through enough.
“I wouldn’t put my dog in a room with 15 excitable children and she’s the sweetest girl.”
Another added: “I cannot believe this is serious – what an awful idea.”
A third wrote: “I am very supportive of teaching children the importance of being kind to animals but I don’t feel comfortable with this.
“The animals themselves don’t get a choice in it and being passed about and handled roughly in a noisy party situation isn’t right.
“As a charity, I get the need for support but please reconsider this.”
Formed in May 2018 as a foster service for the pets of people who had been hospitalised and were no longer able to care for them, Barc currently rescues and rehomes more than 100 animals a year.
A spokesperson for the centre said: “The pet parties involve fully assessed pets which belong to our staff and volunteers.
“Some of these were previously rescue animals, but we do not use animals currently in rescue.
“These animals have been family pets for many years and have been thoroughly assessed by our qualified animal welfare officer.
“We have been subject to spot inspections from the council with no previous issues and are more than happy for them to come and inspect us at any time.”
“Our offices are also always open to members of the public and any other organisation that wishes to come and see how we work and what we do.”