Animal education im-paw-tent for young people

Young people are invited to join Townsville City Council for a fun and free education program that will teach them how to safely interact with animals.

Council ambassador dogs Harmony and Sunny will be available to say hello and take part in demonstrations.

Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee chairperson Margie Ryder said it is important for young people to learn how to interact with animals in a safe and controlled environment.

“This program is great because it provides young people a chance to meet our ambassador dogs, Harmony and Sunny, and learn how they should be interacting with animals and how to care for them,” Cr Ryder said.

“There are over 40,000 registered dogs in Townsville and keeping our children and pets safe is an important part of responsible animal ownership.

“This is a new initiative that we’ve only run a couple of times so far, but we’re looking to continue bringing it to schools once the holidays are over.”

Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said the program is the first event for this year’s Festival of Stories.

“The North Australia Festival of Arts (NAFA) and Festival of Stories do look different this year thanks to COVID-19, but we’re still able to deliver a great line up of events and activities for the kids to take part in over the school holidays,” Cr Greaney said.

“This is our first Festival of Stories event for the year, and there are more exciting things coming including author talks, our One Title One Townsville book club and the chance to read to pets.

“Bookings are limited for our NAFA COVID-Safe and Festival of Stories events to ensure we can keep attendees and staff safe, so I’d urge anyone wanting to attend to book now and avoid any disappointment.”

The program has sessions running at the Townsville Stadium on Thursday 24 September at 9.30am and 11am.

To book your space for the program, visit Animal Awareness Junior Education on What’s On.