this.

And although there is not a high rate of animal abuse in this Country there are few people that really respect their pets -- and this also includes those of you who only get an animal purely for protection purposes and nothing else.

October has been declared Animal Awareness Month and the SPCA is preparing several activities throughout the month.

President of the SPCA Joanne MacPhee said the purpose of having an animal awareness month was to bring to the community's attention the diversity of animals in Bermuda and to bring their needs to the public's attention.

"We wrote to all animal organisations and encouraged them to participate some way. We also went to retailers and wholesalers of pet related products and the response was not as good as we had hoped,'' Mrs. MacPhee said.

She added that the SPCA will be having a fun fair on October 5 at the Botanical Gardens and several organisations joined up with the fun fair to contribute to the month.

"The Cat Fanciers are doing a fun cat show, Bermuda Fry-Angles Aquarium are doing their major tropical fish show of the year, and the All Breed Club will do a parade of breeds.

"There will also a petting zoo with a variety of farm animals and the Poultry Fanciers are doing a best of show display. And the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo will do a reptile display,'' Mrs. MacPhee said.

She also said kids would also be able to show off their pets in the small pet show which will give out prizes for things like best shiny coat.

"Our aim with this show was to be able to give kids recognition for treating their animals well,'' Mrs. MacPhee said.

She added that there would also be a horseshoeing demonstration.

"This fair going to be a real touchy feely thing and that is why we are encouraging kids to come.'' There will also be a fun pet parade, where people can parade their animals, as long as they can behave around people and noise.

"During this month, on October 11, the SPCA will also be holding a major membership drive. A member table will be set up outside the Bank of Bermuda on Par-La-Ville Road and on Saturday there will be another outside The Supermart.

"A membership for kids will be $5, adults $10 and families $25,'' Mrs.

MacPhee said.

She added: "Our hope is that this grows into something big. There are so many worthwhile animal associations on the Island and I hope this unifies us and allows us to come together and speak with one voice.

"The number of harsh cruelty cases is down in Bermuda but a lot of people still do not have respect for animals. They don't see them as the living, caring beings that they are.

"An example would be someone who gets a dog for the primary reason of guarding their house, living with just the basic requirements.'' Mrs. MacPhee also said: "There is so much disrespect for humans in Bermuda, and animals are the lowest on the totem pole.

"It is hard to get a magistrate to take us seriously. We would like to see them really come down on people that we prosecute for animal cruelty.'' She added that the SPCA was a no-kill shelter unless the animal cames with health problems that made it unadoptable.

"If animal owners feel they cannot cope with their pet bring it to us, there is always someone to give it a home young or old,'' Mrs. MacPhee said.

And she added: "If you cannot drop the animal off yourself we will pick it up. They don't have to abandon them, just let us know where to pick them up.

If you don't want us at your home leave them somewhere and tell us where to get them.'' A few of the other events happening during Animal Awareness Month: The Bermuda Hunt Club will have a masters ride and dinner on October 5, The Cat Fanciers Show holding their International show on October 26, Bermuda Dog Training Club training seminars on October 4.

"It's not too late for organisations to get involved,'' Mrs. MacPhee said, "We would be more than happy to have a chat with them.''