SPCA over-run, by people

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FEEDING TIME: Luke Walker, 9, of Bishopdale feeds the donkey at the Nelson SPCA open Day on Saturday.

BUNNY BUSINESS: Rico Katene, 2, and Alec Young of Nelson check out a rabbit

PUPPY LOVE: Juliana Wilkes, 5, makes a friend with one of the dogs.

CHOOK AND LEARN: Rico Katene, 2 of Nelson checks out a Rhoade Island red bantam at the Nelson SPCA open Day on Saturday.

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Cats, dogs, alpacas and hundreds of people mingled at the SPCA's annual open day in Nelson on Saturday.

Held at the SPCA's centre in Waimea Rd, the event was a chance to welcome the centre's supporters and anyone who wanted to see what the SPCA did, said SPCA animal welfare officer Craig Crowley.

It also coincided with the SPCA's National Appeal Week.

Entertainment included face-painting, balloon-making, gingerbread-animal icing and a petting zoo with alpacas, calves and lambs.

Well-known Rai Valley dog triallist and "dog whisperer" Ken White used his sheepdog to herd a flock of geese.

People were able to come up through the paddock next to the centre, which Mr Crowley said was "a neat experience" for children who perhaps had not visited a farm before.

Mr Crowley said advertising had been kept to a minimum because of huge numbers last year.

However, this year was possibly even busier and staff were "flat out".

"People just kept coming and the turnover was huge," he said.

Over four hours it took in about $2000 which was a relatively small amount but a welcome one.

The money would be particularly useful with the kitten season approaching. "That does cost a lot more in time, effort and money."

Though the SPCA sold animals, the price did not cover the cost of desexing, he said.