Politicians Flock to Spca Auckland’s Blessing of the Animals

SPCA Auckland’s annual animal blessing service is attracting a large number of politicians who want to join in the celebration of the animals at St Matthew-in-the-City this Sunday (October 2nd) at 1.30pm.

Joining the attending animals in the church will be Andrew Little (Leader of the Opposition), David Seymour (Act’s Leader), Jacinda Adern (Labour MP for Auckland Central), and long standing Auckland Councillors Christine Fetcher (former Mayor) and Cathy Casey (SPCA animal Ambassador with the Council). Not only will these notable politicians be attending but they will also be performing during the service by reading ‘Prayers from the Ark’ as well as attempting the sounds of the animals they represent, including a bird, ducks, a giraffe, a goat and a dog.

The service, to celebrate the life of St Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of animals, has attracted a large variety of animals to the church through the years, including donkeys, roosters, lizards, penguins, fish, miniature horses, goats, llamas, piglets, birds, cats and dogs of all shapes and sizes (with varying degrees of singing ability).

“Our most spectacular animal guest at the blessing service was a very large black bull who, near the end of the service, felt the need and left his permanent mark near the baptismal font at the rear of the church”, said Bob Kerridge, organizer of the event.

This will be the final blessing service for Bob, who has been Executive Director of the Society for 32 years, and who will deliver his valedictory address at the service.

Venue – St Matthew-in-the-City

Date – Sunday, October 2nd, 2016

Time – commencing at 1.30pm

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