GIANT snails, polecats, miniature horses, rats and animal lovers got together on Saturday for the GSPCA’s 135th anniversary show.

The charity event saw a steady stream of visitors come through the gates, although some of the animals received mixed reactions.

‘When some people meet Henry, Friggle and Fraggle they love them and some people just say “yuck”,’ said eight-year-old Jodie Lihou of her three giant African land snails, which she entered in the most unusual pet category.

‘They are lovely but even I don’t like carrying them so much now ever since one slimed its way all up my arm.’

Isabelle Pets vet Chris Bishop was judging that category.

‘There is a wide and impressive selection of very nice, healthy animals here today, and some very strange ones as well.

‘It is an extremely good event,’ he said.

Sophie Drillot, 9, said she had been looking forward to it for the whole year.

‘I came last time and I brought my rabbit, Snuggles, and she loved it so this time I brought my three guinea pigs too,’ she said, as she prepared to take Snuggles on a walk around the BSJA field on a lead.

She had just watched a police dog show and said she was very excited by the day.

‘I love all the animals, and I like showing mine off to everyone.’

Merika Bishop, who brought along baby Evie and son Josh, 5, said it was a great event for all ages.

‘We are just digging into the coffee and cakes and we’re having a lovely day. We specially enjoyed the stalls, and we have spent far too much money, but it’s such a good cause.’

Josh favoured the more exotic animals.

‘I saw a big grey parrot and said hello to him but he just said “tweet, tweet” back to us,’ he said.

GSPCA president John Knight said it was a big year for the charity.

‘The society has been serving the community for 135 years and was one of the first of its kind set up in the world.

‘It has a long and strong history and has continued through wars and all sorts and it relies on the support of the community. We also need to be here in another 135 years,’ he said.

Operations director Jayne Le Cras said there was entertainment for everyone.

‘We are going to have live music from Schema and Collette this afternoon as well as a magician and a man who makes animals out of balloons,’ she said.

The event was not exclusive to the GSPCA, she said.

‘We have given other charities the opportunity to get involved too, with about 18 here,’ said Mrs Le Cras.

Photos by Peter Frankland

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Rachael Lihou with her giant african land snail.