Location: Sri Lanka
Event: Dog Grooming Event
Organiser: Odel Department Store

To commemorate World Animal Day, on 6th & 7th October "Embark" held the first ever dog grooming event in Sri Lanka. With the help of our volunteer circle, the grooming event was very successful.

In March 2007 “Embark” was launched as a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of Odel, the only department store in Sri Lanka, with the long term aim of ending animal cruelty. We initiated a sterilization campaign for stray and community dogs, which was launched with the professional help of Tsunami Animal People Alliance – a group of veterinary surgeons and technicians. At present our projects are limited to helping dogs but in the future we plan to expand our projects to inlcude other animals. We raise funds from our merchandise that we sell in our store and we also have corporate sponsorship from businesses in Sri Lanka. In 2007 we have done 4 sterilization campaigns vaccinating in the region of 1400 animals.

Since the launch in March 2007, "Embark" has been working with Animal Welfare NGO’s and we are hoping to expand in 2008 with the support of the government of Sri Lanka. Report submitted by Ishan Fernando, Co-Ordinator, Corporate Social Responsibility for ODEL – Sri Lanka. (Edited by World Animal Day)

Location: Syria
Event: World Animal Day Celebrations
Organiser: SPANA Syria (Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad)

Fourth of October is an important occasion to celebrate the lives of animals in all its forms. This year, SPANA Syria celebrated the Hamster as Syrian Animal of the Year and called upon everyone to love nature and appreciate and respect animals, as important elements to develop the people's empathy towards animals that are hurt and caused pain as a result of bad human practices.

The celebration started distributing greeting cards to all interested people and the decision-makers know the way and relevance as all local newspapers published articles about the animal and its importance and the World Animal Day.

The Syrian Arab television hosted on its satellite channel Dr.Darem Tabbaa, Director of the animal protection project in Syria, who spoke about the history of the fourth of October as a World Animal Day and the participation of Syria on it, since its beginnings, also talked about the Syrian Hamster, which was launched as the animal for the year 2007.

In the evening SPANA Syria made a reception at the Meridian Hotel in Damascus to honor actors and persons who have contributed to spreading awareness of environmental protection and animal welfare. Prizes were also distributed to the winners of children environmental competition announced by the ministry of culture-directorate of children culture in collaboration with the animal Protection Project, for the drawings dealt with animal topics on animal and environmental significance.

Beyond been honoring contributors in spreading awareness about the environmental and animal welfare, where awarding prof Ali Saad Minister of Education and a number of his deputies and managers in planning, curriculum and educational satellite channel as well as the director of the Syrian Arab Television Miss Diana Jabour and a number of directors in the Television, honored Also Al Baath University and environmentalists and some journalists and musicians who work on the environment and animals. Dr. Darem Tabbaa, SPANA Syria.

Location: Hong Kong
Event: Hong Kong kids get creative for World Animal Day
Organiser: Animals Asia Foundation

Videos, books and Aunty Mok help to spread the word

Two budding flim-makers stole the show at our World Animal Day event at Bookazine in Central on 4 October.

Jessica Jenner, 6, won first prize and Roos Kooiker, 14, was runner-up in Animals Asia’s video-making competition in which kids were asked to submit short video presentations on what animals meant to them on World Animal Day. Thirty children from Ma On Shan Ling Liang Primary School and the Chinese International School, both strong supporters of our work, also attended the event, after submitting their own video presentations. The videos were played at Bookazine throughout the event. Some of the videos can be viewed on YouTube.

Jessica and Roos were presented with Animals Asia goody bags and Bookazine book tokens at an interactive reading event in which Eleanor Morris (mother of Canto superstar Karen Mok) read the book, “Moon Bear Rescue” by Kim Dale. As first-prize winner, Jessica was also presented with a Nintendo DS games console.

Eleanor (known affectionately as “Aunty Mok” and who is an Honorary Director of Animals Asia), also handed over a cheque for $50,000 generously donated by Karen (our China Bear Rescue Ambassador). Jill spoke to the children about AAF’s projects, including the Moon Bear Rescue. She also urged the children not to buy fur, showing them samples of dog and cat fur that had been dyed bright colours and made into hair accessories and trims.

Each of the children had their photo taken with “Moonie” the Moon Bear Mascot and received AAF goody bags and Bookazine book tokens. Huge thanks to Eleanor and our effervescent MC, Simon Broad, for volunteering their time to make this such a successful event. Thanks also to Bookazine for their generous support.

Location: Philippines - Palawan
Event: Marine Life Educational for Children
Organiser: The Palawan Animal Welfare Association

The Palawan Animal Welfare Association in cooperation with the City Veterinarian Office celebrated World Animal Day in style in Puerto Princesa. The event, supported by Mayor Edward Hagedorn and Animal Peopl, proved to be a colourful celebration with animals as well as people sporting T-Shirts with the World Animal Day logo! Although we have already received a selection of wonderful photographs, we have yet to receive a report about the event itself and so this entry will be updated as soon as possible. However, we were keen to share with you at least one of the fabulous photographs!

Location: Nepal, Kathmandu
Events: Children's Art Competition; Awareness Day; Rabies Vaccination
Organiser: National Zoonoses and Food Hygiene Research Centre (NZFHRC)

Dr D D Joshi is absolutely delighted that World Animal Day celebrations in Nepal were hugely successful. The organisation's report, including photographs, has been presented in PDF format so please click HERE to read all about it.

Location: India - Kollam
Event: World Animal Fun Day
Organiser: People for Animals Kollam

World Animal Day was a day of enjoyment for the city's children. People For Animals Kollam held several events for children aged from LKG to class 7. We organised three competitions: two Fancy Dress, Junior and Senior, and Poster Making. The children dressed up as all sorts of animals including monkeys, lions, tigers, frogs, gorillas,giraffes, kangaroos,  cats and dogs. It was amazing to see the children dressed in fabulous animal costumes. While on stage. the judging panel asked questions about the animal represented. In Poster Making, the children were asked to design and make a poster on 'the relationship between Man and Animals' with a suitable caption for the poster.

Dr Kamala Diwan gave a message to the children and Mr Varun Jayethilak, a popular singer sang a song for the children. The winners of the poster competition were Master Jaisuria, Devi Suresh and Asish B George. Junior Fancy Dress was won by Amrith Kannan, Akhsay Sajan, Lita Rajeev, Sharon Band and Joslene Lathesia. The winner of the Senior Fancy Dress were Hazz Saed Harris, Sruthi Madhu, Vinayak A Ashok, Ajay G and Alisha G Nettowere. In addition we issued certificates to all participants and they were also given a small gift.

It was the first time that World Animal Day was observed in our state of Kerala. We were able to convey the message to hundreds of hearts and it was a great success.

Location: Cambodia - Phnom Penh
Event: Kouprey Express Special
Organisers: Wildlife Alliance/Free The Bears Fund/Phnom Tao Wildlife Rescue Centre

Wildlife Alliance's Kouprey Express - a mobile environmental education unit, celebrated World Animal Day in Cambodia by holding an animal art competition for orphans and vulnerable children in Phnom Penh.

In collaboration with Free the Bears Fund and the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, 250 orphan and vulnerable children from Phnom Penh received fun, interactive education on wildlife conservation, as well as themed t-shirts, posters, and work books. The children then participated in an animal art competition, drawing and painting their favourite animals.

The best 50 artists were then taken to the Phnom Tamao Wildlfie Rescue Center, where they came face to face with those animals lucky enough to have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.

Learning about gibbons, tigers, elephants and sun bears from local wildlife experts was a special moment for these children, most of whom had never before seen any wildlife with their own eyes. With the assistance of Free the Bears staff, the children visited a new bear "Discovery Center" and helped make bear food, which they then hid around the bear enclosures. When the bears came out, the children looked on as the bears sought out all the tasty food hidden in their enclosures. The event was covered by local TV and print media.

Wildlife Alliance's Kouprey Express would like to thank all participants for their involvement, especially the staff of Free the Bears Fund, Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, Aziza Schoolhouse, New Future Center, Pour Un Sourire D'Enfant, Rudi Boa Center, and Krousar Thmey. Last but not least - a special thank you to Ms. Amanda Mithers, who volunteered her time to help these special children express their wildlife conservation messages through art.

Location: Jordan - Ajloun
Event: Ajloun Dog Awareness and Rabies Campaign
Organiser: SPANA Jordan (Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad)

For two days we worked with the Ajloun Agriculture Department to vaccinate dogs against rabies and raise awareness amongst the population about responsible dog ownership.

Three mobile teams consisting of SPANA and Agriculture Department vets and technicians travelled around different areas of the region.  Over the two days a total of 156 dogs and 5 cats were vaccinated against rabies, had red collars put on to identify them as vaccinated, were wormed and treated for external parasites where necessary.  Owners were grateful for the treatments and advice and willingly helped round up their dogs for the teams.

A presentation was also given by Dr Karen Jones (Veterinary Director from SPANA London) and Dr Mustafa Ghazi (Director SPANA Jordan) to over 100 school children (aged 8 to 14), their teachers and representatives of the local Environmental Police Department, Ministry of Education and Agriculture Department.  This focused on rabies control, in particular emphasising the importance of having a stable population of vaccinated dogs.  Much research and evidence from other countries proves that killing stray dogs only reduces the population in the very short term – the population will soon increase to the same level again.  For a long term solution to rabies control it is vital that overpopulation of dogs is prevented by neutering and vaccinating.  There is a real need to overcome the prejudices of some to the idea of sterilizing their dogs, if the Kingdom is to seriously combat the problem of rabies in the long term. SPANA is very happy to lead this initiative to reduce the incidence of rabies in the Kingdom. Dr. Ghazi Mustafa, SPANA, Jordan.

Location: Singapore
Event: Singaporeans show the world that "Animals Matter To Me"!
Organiser: ACRES (Animal Concerns Research and Education Society)

Location: India - Delhi
Event: Animal Welfare Activity Day
Organiser: Kendriya Vidyalaya School, Pitampura

On World Animal Day, pupils attending Kendriya Vidyalaya School in Pitampura, Delhi, celebrated by participating in educational activities to encourage the humane treatment of animals such as: working on an animal welfare painting with famous painter Ignatius at school & Rajghat (Gandhi Memorial); holding a mass rally; watching wildlife films; setting up a bird corner to attract wild birds; held various competitions such as drawing, slogan writing, essay, fancy dress; and the school was decorated with World Animal Day logo balloons. All in all it was a fabulous day of joy, fun and learning with sincerity. Dr A K Sharma, Principal.

Location: India - Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh
Event: Free Medical Check-Up and Treatment Camp for Animals
Organiser: SPCA Moradabad

On 4th October, the SPCA Moradabad organized a large free medical checkup and treatment camp for animal welfare in the city. SPCA provided free medicines to 163 animals and free anti-rabies injections to 90 dogs. We distributed leaflets and pamphlets of information for the prevention of cruelty to animals and to improve their welfare at the camp and also in other public places in order to increase public awareness of animal welfare issues on World Animal Day.

Also, on World Animal Day, the slaughter houses and butcher shops remained closed and the city of Moradabad prohibited the slaughtering of animals within the district. Our society is responsible for lobbying the city administration to introduce this one day ban, which has been in place and effective since the year 2000.

SPCA Moradabad has no funds and does not benefit from donations. Each member of the organisation shares all expenses. Our World Animal Day Camp gained press coverage in two newspapers “Amar Ujala” and “Dainik Jagran”. (Hindi daily newspapers - dated 5th Oct. 2007.)

Location: India - Delhi
Event: World AnimalDay Painting + Paper Published
Organiser: People for Animals Haryana

Released on World Animal Day - Paper published on "Animal Rights and their Welfare" supported by many VIPs and celebrities. Also, on the eve of Non Violence Day, members of PFA Haryana assembled at Rajghat, New Delhi along with the students and staff of the the Kendriya Vidalya, Pitampura, Delhi. Peace to all of you. Regards, Naresh Kadyan, Chairman - PFA HARYANA

Location: China - Chengdu
Event: Dog Walk in Harmony
Organiser: Animals Asia Foundation

More than 100 dogs and their owners took part in Animals Asia Foundation’s Walk in Harmony in Chengdu in mid-October. AAF Founder and CEO Jill Robinson and Mr Chen Mingchai, founder of Chongqing Small Animal Protection Association, spoke at the walk, which was held at a garden restaurant in a suburb of the city. Two dog owners, who had had been with their dogs for 15 years, were given Companion for Life Awards. Six dogs were given Devotion Awards, including Barton, a dog that, along with his owner, rescued two girls from drowning. After the awards, the owners took their dogs on a stroll around the lake in the garden. Everyone who joined in the walk was presented with a certificate with wording: “Companion for Life”. All the participants pledged never to abandon their dogs and never to eat dog or cat meat.

Location: Malaysia - Selangor
Event: Animal Awareness Campaign
Organiser: The Pet Safari PLC

We are delighted that World Animal Day 2007 @ The Pet Safari was even more successful than last year. This year's focus was education, promoting responsible pet ownership in a colourful store display. The Pet Safari celebrated World Animal Day throughout the month of October with staff wearing WAD T-Shirts to raise awareness.

Our pet food partner this year was ADDICTION, a pet food that is holistic and not involved in animal testing. The Addiction, Power of Wellness display drew lots of attention and educated shoppers about all aspects of feeding their pets including the use of supplements.

St Francis Xavier Church held a World Animal Day Mass on the actual day - 4th October. Many pet owners brought their dogs, cats and even fish for Father Simon to bless. Father Simon's German Shepherd, Rover, lay quietly and watched the service. Afterwards, home made dog treats were given out.... only to dogs of course!

Each weekend in October, Pet Safari staff and their friends baked and sold cookies and cup cakes using 90% organic ingredients which were a great hit and sold out very quickly raising the fabulous sum of RM3,900.00 for local animal shelters (Furry Friends / SPCA / Independent Pet Rescuers). Fuji apples, a symbol of love between dog and owner, were given to each person who brought their pet into the store on 7th and 28th October (apparently most dogs love these apples but without the skin and definitely no pips as they are poisonous to dogs).

Disappointingly, re-homing numbers were down on last year but, according to Independent Pet Rescuers (IPR), it was due to the color of the dogs as they were black mainly! The light colored ones were re-homed. Sadly, that is the mentality of the Chinese people in this country.

The Pet Safari ended this auspicious occasion with the cutting of a celebratory WAD 2007 cake of banana and apple topped with cream cheese, which was enjoyed by both dogs and their owners!

Location: Malaysia - Penang
Event: Public Forum 'Animal Welfare in Malaysia'
Organiser: Penang Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

In celebration of World Animal Day we held a public forum on 6th October to raise public awareness of animal welfare issues in Malaysia. Speakers included the Royal Malaysian Police Force, The State of Penang's City Council, Members of Parliament, The Penang Bar Council, State Education Department, veterinarians and animal welfare organisations. The main issues of discussion were law enforcement, stray management, pet ownership and euthanasia. The event was very informative and those who were very interested asking lots of questions which sparked debate on several issues. However, we were a little disappointed in the number of attendees and are sure that we will achieve greater success next year.

Location: India - Karnataka
Event: International Vegan Festival
Organiser: Indian Vegan Society

During the 11th International Vegan Festival held from 30th September to 6th October in Murdeshwar, Karnataka, we marked World Animal Day by holding a number of special lectures and programmes. On this day, Rev. Father Philip Nellivila held a special animal blessing service.

Location: Kathmandu
Event: Campaign to Raise Public Awareness of Animal Issues
Organiser: Kathmandu Animal Treatment Centre

Thamel display - A display and awareness stall was set up in Thamel where staff were able to distribute pamphlets and information to Kathmandu residents and tourists. 

The aim was to raise awareness of the problems faced by street dogs, and how to look after dogs as pets.  We also focused on awareness regarding rabies in the community and what was being done in the Kathamandu valley to eradicate rabies from the area. A table display was created for our goods for sale to support KAT’s Mission “Humane Management of Street Dogs for Community Benefit”

It turned out, as circumstances would have it, that during the event, a local dog was rescued by the team which was badly in need of treatment for skin disease and malnutrition.

Educational school visit - Members of staff visited a local school to talk about how to care for dogs, and how to behave safely with animals in general.  Also discussions were instigated about rabies and how to avoid bites, and how KAT Centre was helping to eradicate rabies in street dogs. 

Location: India - New Delhi
Event: Painting Competition
Organiser: JBF India - Animal Welfare and Childrens Welfare

JBF celebrated World Animal Day in New Delhi with two different activities. JBF Animal Welfare wing (runs Mobile Cattle Clinic in New Delhi & Mobile Animal Clinic at Guwahati) celebrated the occasion along with the JBF Welfare Organization that runs informal schools for children that either live in slums or on the street.

An animal painting competition was organized at the JBF School at Viklang Basti, Near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Abouth 50 participated and the paintings were of many different animals ranging from elephant to mongoose. Some of the paintings were so creative and artistic that it was beyond imagination and it really proves that if we put them into action as the saying goes that only the action of just can blossom in the dust, they will really blossom. The best three paintings were awarded prizes.

After completion of the painting competition, the JBF team led by Dr. Sashanka, Managing Trustee of JBF (INDIA) accompanied by 30 children started a procession from the school. There were banners, placards, the children wore animal masks and a Dhol (a double-sided barrel drum) attracted peoples attention. The placards had slogans like 'Start Working for Animal Welfare', 'Stop Cruelty to Animals', 'Be Kind to Animals', 'Provide Food & Water to animals in need' etc etc. The lively procession gained the attention of all passers by. Many people asked questions about World Animal Day enabling the JBF team to talk about animal welfare issues. The procession started at the School, went through a busy market to the Gate of India Habitat Centre at Lodhi Road, to the Sai Temple (one of the most famous temples in Delhi) and then back to the School. Leaflets were distributed to people during the procession giving them information about JBF and how to contact the organisation if they see a suffering animal. The procession took nearly two hours after which the children were provided with refreshments and a small gift. The children were very enthusiastic and happy to be involved with the World Animal Day celebrations and we are quite positive that the procession helped create awareness among the public which will lead to a better life for animals. Full report written by Dr Sashanka, JBF, and edited by World Animal Day.

Location: India - RNS Residency, Murdeshwar, Karnataka
Event: International Vegan Festival - 30th September until 6th October
Organiser: Indian Vegan Society

During the International Vegan Festival, as well as celebrating World Animal Day on 4th October, we also celebrated International Vegetarian Day on 1st Oct. and International Day of Non-Violence (Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday) and World Farm Animals Day on 2nd Oct.

The festival was an exciting affair with a busy programme throughout the week including an animal blessing service, field trip, yoga, films, exhbitions and an essay competition on 'Veganism - It's Relevance & Ways of Implementation'. There were daily lectures and entertainment attended by various VIP guests.

Location: Philippines - Polomolok, South Cotabato
Event: World Animal Day Dog Walk
Organiser: Dogs On Guard Society (DOGS)

In celebration of World Animal Day the Dogs on Guard Society organised a gathering of pet owners in the local park and a dog walk followed by a picnic. We used the opportunity to raise awareness of animal welfare issues in the Philippines, distributed information promoting responsible dog ownership and gave help and advice to owners who are having problems with their pets. Joseph Pelegro, President, DOGS, A-2 Ricarda Road, Polotana Phase 3 Purok Pinetown, Polomolok, South Cotabato, Philippines. Email: josephtata@yahoo.com

Location: Pakistan - Lahore
Event: Awareness Campaign
Organiser: Vets Care Club, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore

The Vets Care Organisation celebrated World Animal Day by running an Awareness Campaign at the University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore, on October 4, 2007. The objective of the campaign was to create awareness among the students about welfare issues affecting animals in Pakistan. Posters and banners about animal welfare and animal rights were displayed all over the campus. A special meeting was also held to mark the occasion to review our animal welfare work. It was pledged that the Vets Care Club, UVAS under the auspices of VCO will continue its work for the welfare of animals. In connection with World Animal Day, a special, free veterinary treatment camp was held on Sunday 28th October in the district of Gujranwala (see below).  We were delighted that the local media covered our World Animal Day activities which helped greatly to raise public awareness of animal welfare issues.

Location: Pakistan - Lahore
Event: Free Veterinary Treatment Camp
Organiser: Vets Care Club, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore

In connection with World Animal Day, the Vets Care Club of the University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore, organised a free veterinary treatment camp in the vicinity of “Wahndo” Tehsil Kamonki District Gujranwala on Sunday 28th of October 2007. About 55 veterinary students; members of the Vets Care Club along with veterinary doctors of the Vets Care Organization participated in the camp under the supervision of Dr Tanveer Hussain (Advisor, Vets Care Club). Firstly the participants attended a briefing session at the “Civil Veterinary Hospital, Wahndo” at which Dr Qamar Majeed (Veterinary Officer, Civil Veterinary Hospital, Wahndo) briefed the students about the field practices and the status of animals in his area along with major diseases in that area. Afterwards, the participants were divided into four teams and sent to different villages. Team 1 headed by Dr. Tanveer Hussain visited Raam Daas. Team 2 headed by Dr Asif Ch. visited Bhopar. Team 3 headed by Mr Muhammad Asad Ali visited Thatha Gulab Pura. Team 4 headed by Dr Qamar Majeed visited Nadha. During the day, the teams dealt with a large number of animals all of which were wormed against parasites as this is a major cause of poor health and low production. A large number of sick animals were checked, treated and provided with the necessary medication. This camp not only enhanced the professional skills of the students, but also improved the health and welfare of many animals. It also helped the poor farmers, who are normally unable to seek veterinary help, to get their animals treated free of charge. According to official records, more than 700 animals in the four villagesreceived attention including donkeys, sheep, goats, cattle and buffaloes.

VCO is thankful to ICI Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, Symans Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Prix Pharma, Medi-Vet (Pvt) Ltd and Zaidi’s International for providing medicines for this free veterinary treatment camp. We are also thankful to the University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore for providing the transport facility; without which the camp wouldn't have been possible. We are equally thankful to Dr Qamar Majeed and his colleagues for their efforts in arranging this camp. Last but not the least, we would like to pay special thanks to all the camp participants for sparing their whole day for this noble work, especially Dr. Tanveer Hussain for supervising the event. Vets Care Organization Pakistan commits to continue its efforts in making Pakistan a friendly and cruelty free environment for the animals.

Location: India - Ludhiana, Punjab
Event: Animal Welfare Radio Talk Show + Rally and Quiz
Organiser: Care of Animals & Protection of Environment (CAPE)

In celebration of World Animal Day, with the support of 'All India Radio' (Jalandhar Centre), CAPE organised a radio talk show for farmers and the rural community. The talk was in Punjabi, the Native language and covered the welfare of farm animals, wild animals and conservation as well as highlighting the important role animals play in our lives. On World Animal Day we organised a rally at Chandigarh and the schoolchildren who participated were presented with a World Animal Day logo T-Shirt. We also held a Wildlife Awareness Quiz at Satya Wati Oswal Memorial Secondary School. Seventeen teams participated and the winning team were awarded prizes. Photographs to be added shortly. Dr.Sandeep K. Jain, Chief Coordinator, CAPE.

IMAGE GALLERY
Selected additional images of events that took place in Asia in 2007