More than 450 pets go to Cathedral service

Dogs far outnumbered other animals at the service – many were pets but there were also working and therapy dogs

About 450 animal lovers and their pets – including a miniature pony and a donkey – have attended a cathedral's annual animal service.

While dogs far outnumbered other animals, a few placid cats, rabbits, hamsters and gerbils joined the service at Ely Cathedral on Sunday afternoon.

Organisers said the 22-year-old pony travelled from Buckinghamshire with her owner Primrose, eight, and her family.

A cathedral spokesperson said the service was about "celebrating animals of every kind".

Many of the dogs slept through the service, while others joined in during the hymns

The service, which focused on animal welfare and working animals, included representatives from Medical Detection Dogs, based in Milton Keynes.

The congregation heard that, as well as training dogs to support people with life-threatening health conditions, the charity carries out research to detect life-threatening diseases, including cancer, by training bio-detection dogs.

The spokesperson said: "We all understand and appreciate the joy and comfort our pets bring us, but this event is also about acknowledging those who care for animals as well the animals who give us support in our daily lives such as therapy dogs, guide dogs, medical detection dogs plus all those animals working alongside the police, armed forces and search and rescue teams."

Rabbits, cats, hamsters and gerbils were also at the service