You could be forgiven for thinking Noah's Ark had landed in Auckland central this morning as animals – big and small – paraded up Queen St.
Pets and owners made their way up to St Matthew-in-the-City, where animals of all kind were welcomed into the church to be blessed.
The event was part of a march to mark World Animal Day, where countries unite to remember and celebrate animals around the globe.
The order of service for the special ceremony detailed hymns, readings and prayers for the animals and concluded with each animal blessed by the clergy – with owners also welcome to take part.
The presentation of the New Zealand Companion Animal Council's Assisi Awards also took place for the first time, after St Francis of Assisi – the Patron Saint of animals and the environment.
New Zealand ambassador for World Animal Day and executive director of SPCA Auckland Bob Kerridge also spoke at the event.
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