Learning about animal welfare

The Bahrain Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) has started welcoming groups of enthusiastic children to its newly-opened lecture hall to learn about animals in a fun-filled environment.

Amongst the first to pay a visit were the toddlers from Little Gems Pre-School in Saar on an organised field trip to the facility in Askar.

The pupils were guided through a storytelling session by supporter Penny Erickson, before meeting a three-month-old puppy called Poppy, brought along by Penny’s husband Paul, as they learned all about the importance of animal welfare in the new Rajab Lecture Hall.

The youngsters learned how to interact confidently and kindly with the tail-wagging puppy. BSPCA fund-raising co-ordinator, Joyce Hughes, said: “The new Rajab Lecture Hall is a massive improvement to our last lecture area in Shakhoora. Back there we could only allow 10 students at a time and it was often stuffy, hot and uncomfortable. We had to make more trips to the schools than they could to us.

“Nowadays we still visit schools, but there is also an opportunity for classes to come to our large air-conditioned lecture hall to see and meet all the animals as well. It’s great fun and very educational too.

“When I found out that Penny used to teach, I asked her to help me with school trips as I’ve been really busy with the Trap, Neuter and Return project aimed at helping to control the kingdom’s stray dog problem.
“Penny kindly offered to head up the team and the programme here at the BSPCA and has committed her time for this season.

“This is the first time we have used this part of the facility. Little Gems has been a huge supporter to us and we are more than happy to invite them into the centre.”

Mrs Erickson took the time to teach the youngsters how to safely approach animals before the group of 17 three-year-olds took a tour around the premises to visit the dogs, rabbits, cats, Eeyore the rescued donkey and a family of ducks currently housed at the animal welfare centre.

Mrs Erickson, 41, from Janusan, said: “I love kids and I love animals. I was a teacher previously so this is what I love to do.

“We went into St Christopher’s School recently and when we got their letters of thanks it was so rewarding. They kept asking us to come back and bring more animals. 

“The children ask questions and they naturally want to help and they are really interactive. You can tell they are enjoying it and having a good time.”

The children were delighted to meet Eeyore and many have already planned return trips with their families.

Three-year-old Omar Al Zunkat said: “I had a lot of fun. I have a dog called Limbo at home and he’s very cute, so I know how to take care of animals. The best part of the trip to the BSPCA was seeing the donkey. He’s my favourite and I will come back to see him again.”

The new lecture hall was designed for visiting school parties, presentations and for prospective adopters to sit and meet their chosen animal in a calm and relaxing environment. The hall has been named after Dr Khalil and Betty Rajab, two of the founders who dedicated themselves to helping the society for more than 30 years.

Little Gems Pre-School’s children, parents and members of staff are regular supporters of the charity. They have been donating money, food, toys and bedding for many years. There are three plaques dedicated to the school proudly on display in the centre.

Principal Christine Evans said: “The children loved the visit. It’s just nice to see where the animals live and raise awareness about how best to look after pets.

“We also hold a pets’ assembly at the school … it helps a lot with the children’s development.

“We have supported the BSPCA for many years. We have sponsored kennels and even staged fundraising events. We aim to continue supporting the cause for many years to come.”