Bristol Animal Rescue Centre holds dog painting auction

Painting is part of the rehabilitation process for the rescue dogs

Dogs have been busy painting at an animal rescue centre, which will then be auctioning off their work.

Bristol Animal Rescue Centre (ARC) will be raising money for vulnerable animals through the auction later.

The dog-carers apply paint to the canvasses, cover them with cling film, apply peanut butter and allow the dogs to masticate artistically.

Jodie Bennett, the centre's engagement officer, said it helped the dogs to bond with their carers.

Ms Bennett explained: "Many of the dogs who arrive at Bristol ARC haven't had the best start in life."

'Mutt gala'

She said that painting was part of the rehabilitation process: "It's a fantastic enrichment activity for them that gets them out of the kennels and getting that one-on-one attention that they love."

The event is inspired by Vogue Magazine's Met Gala and is being dubbed the 'Mutt Gala'.

The charity is being supported by Auctioneum, who will auction off the paintings at the exclusive event.

The event is inspired by Vogue Magazine's Met Gala and is being dubbed the 'Mutt Gala'

Auctioneum associate director Andrew Stone said: 'We are very excited to be involved in this unique event - there are some wonderful items up for grabs and we hope bidders will spend big in order to get their paws on something special!"

The charity said it hoped the auction would raise some much-needed funds to see it through what it predicted could be a "tough winter".

Ms Bennett added: "It's been a challenging year for the rescue centre as we've seen an increase in demand for our services.

"The cost of living crisis is forcing many pet owners to make difficult decisions and we've also seen an increase in abandonments this year too."

Bristol ARC said it was struggling to meet demand, with approximately 40 dogs currently in the charity's care, which was higher than usual.

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