Kids get chance to mix with animals

\Wairarapa SPCA and Child, Youth and Family have come together for the first time to celebrate International Children's Day tomorrow.

SPCA manager Val Ball said they were holding a pet afternoon at the centre, including a bouncy castle and a free sausage sizzle.

CYF senior practitioner Jenny Milne said there were many families both organisations worked with so it made sense to bring the two together.

"It's a nice match - animals and children," she said.

"The object is to get the kids to learn a little bit about handling animals and realising kids have the same needs as animals," said Mrs Ball.

Mrs Milne said it was also another way families could spend time together.

Agencies, such as Violence Free Network Wairarapa, will also be at the day.

There will also be miniature horses, chickens, goats and rabbits for the children to pet, and activities such as face painting and a colouring competition.The Children's Day pet afternoon will be from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday at Wairarapa SPCA, 299 Ngaumutawa Rd, Masterton