Dunedin teenagers learnt yesterday how they can lend a hand at the Otago SPCA.
Volunteering Otago youth co-ordinator Heather Moore said 14 teenagers, aged 13-17, started a week-long volunteering programme at the animal shelter.
The teenagers were given a presentation about volunteering at SPCA and then handled cats, dogs, rabbits and a duckling to help build confidence in handling the animals, she said.
Volunteering activities for the rest of the week would include working at the community gardens in Shetland St and baking for the Presbyterian Support food bank.
The teenage volunteers would paint and clean at Riding for the Disabled in Dunedin today.
The group had room for 30 volunteers, so more teenagers could register, Miss Moore said.
Another week-long programme was open to 11- to 13-year-olds next week, she said.
Volunteer Emily Christensen (15) said volunteers at the SPCA had to be aged at least 16 and she would give some of her time after her next birthday. She had had plenty of experience caring for and cleaning up after her own pets, she said.
