大象传媒

A dog called Eric; a cat called Noel. On World Animal Day, which also happens to be the feast of St Francis, 4th October, Roy Jenkins explores the relationship between people and their pets. Is this something St Francis of Assisi had in mind when he famously befriended a wolf, and preached to a flock of birds? Ideas of Francis have changed over the centuries, according to Professor Mary Heimann, and he has been transformed from staunch Catholic ascetic to a sentimental lover of animals. And according to John Evans, a member of a Franciscan order, he wouldn't even have been able to afford to keep any pets. Among others Roy talks to the Bishop of Monmouth, Cherry Vann, about her pet chickens and her dogs; Catholic priest Christopher Hancock talks about his rescue greyhound; and the Revd Dr Jason Bray talks about the way his cats have managed to boost his ratings when live-streaming evening prayer!