LEADING pet charity Blue Cross is encouraging primary schools and youth groups in Redditch to sign up for its free talks to help children to learn about animals and pet care, as part of its national education programme.

Since 2005, the charity’s network of trained volunteer speakers across the country have been delivering talks to children aged four to 12 about important issues such as how to look after a pet and how to stay safe around dogs. In 2011 alone, Blue Cross education volunteers reached over 32,000 children with messages of responsible pet care.

Tracy Genever, Blue Cross education manager, said: “Educating the pet owners of the future is an essential part of our work promoting happy, healthy pets. Every primary school should book in a talk with one of our fantastic volunteer speakers. They are fun, free and cover a whole range of pet-related topics.

“Children really enjoy the talks, especially when our volunteers take their own specially assessed dogs along. By teaching them how to care for animals at an early stage we hope to reduce the number of abandoned and neglected pets in the future. And learning about safety around dogs is essential for children of any age.”

Rosie Powell, Blue Cross education volunteer based in Redditch said: “My border collie dog Koda and I hope to see lots of groups over the coming weeks. Koda really enjoys meeting all the children and having him come along to the talks makes it more meaningful and memorable for the groups.”

For more details, call 0845 370 1027 or e-mail education@bluecross.org.uk. Talks are free but donations are welcome, as The Blue Cross is funded entirely through public donations.

A range of interactive educational materials are available to download from bluecross.org.uk which also has a dedicated area for children at bluecross.org.uk/kids.