It is a double celebration for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) this World Animal Day, as it marks 70 years of carrying out animal welfare work.

A two-day celebration, which includes educational talks and an adoption drive, started yesterday.

Visitors to the SPCA in Sungei Tengah were also able to tour its animal welfare centre, where they met some of its residents and learnt more about the society's beginnings and the history of animal welfare in Singapore.

Yesterday, the society celebrated its anniversary with a cake-cutting ceremony with its longest-staying resident, Viking, a Singapura Special. Viking was found at a farm in Jalan Kayu in 2011, when it was about 31/2 months old.

Dr Jaipal Singh Gill, executive director at SPCA, said: "This year is important for us as we look back on how far animal welfare in Singapore has come, and what more the SPCA can do moving forward.

"This incredible milestone is a true testament to the support from our local community."