THE Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is searching for camera hogs, dogs, and all manner of pets, to star in its upcoming 2006 calendar.

Owners across the island are being asked to submit photos of their favourite felines, pigs, cats, horses, fish "or any other animal friend you think missed his or her calling as a super model".

The 12 most appealing photos will be selected for the calendar, expected to go on sale in August.

"People love their animals. They love taking photographs of them and having them displayed," said SPCA president Heather Kromer.

"It gives them the opportunity to have a little fun with their animals and is a bit of a fund-raiser for us. We did one for 2004 which people were quite pleased with. We got in trouble for not doing one this year and thought we'd better get our act together."

Residents have until June 1 to submit photos in digital, print or slide form in accordance with the following specifications:

Photos must not contain people

Photos must have a horizontal layout

Photos must be of good, clear, quality

Photos cannot have appeared in any past calendar or any profit-generating publication.

"We're just looking for people to be creative and we've given them two months to get photos together," Mrs. Kromer said.

"Part of the idea is also to help raise awareness of the work we do. On the inside cover of the last calendar, we included a little bit of information about that. Many people think that all we do is take in animals and adopt them out.

"That is one of the important things we do, but we do lots of other things as well ? we provide 'round-the-clock emergency service, we investigate cruelty cases. So for us, this is an opportunity where we can remind people or make them aware of that."

Mrs. Kromer added that people are also being encouraged to write something about their pet to accompany the picture.

"Although not a requirement for the contest, we welcome the submission of your story on how you chose your pet and how your life has changed as a result of adopting your pet, on your pet's unique qualities or humorous traits."

A $5 fee is required of those entering the contest. For more information on the contest, telephone 236-0007 or visit the SPCA web site, .