While it might not be marked on the calendar of every Ballarat resident, October 1 to 7 is Be Kind to Animals Week.

Pam Ahern, the founder and director of Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary, spent Monday afternoon in the Bridge Mall with her trusty sidekick Timmy Sheep to let people know about the week.

“We started it six years ago to raise awareness and make the world a better place for people and animals alike,” she said. 

Ms Ahern said she would travel across the state this week talking to residents about how to encourage kindness among both people and animals.

Along with his handshaking skills, Timmy’s other key talent is his free hand-bag checks which he offers to most residents who come to him for a pat. 

“As soon as they see the sheep they come straight up and ask what it is all about and that is why we take the animals,” she said. 

“People need to be a little bit kinder, to everyone because we are all of part of the animal kingdom.”