Location: INDIA - Kerala
Event: Adoption Weekend
Hosted by: Animal Rescue Kerala

Following last year's first, very successful, Adoption Day, Animal Rescue Kerala were determined to re-home even more animals this year!

ARK is very proud to be recognised by the Worldwide Veterinary Service and the World Society for the Protection of Animals. Our main purpose is to carry out the ABC-AR [animal birth control, anti rabies] programme, which is the only effective way to control a stray dog population. Street and beach dogs are caught and brought into the clinic. Any illness or injury is treated before sterilisation and they are also vaccinated against rabies.

As a result, unwanted puppies are not born and sterilised dogs in an area will stop unvaccinated dogs from moving in, so the district will become rabies free. ARK has always been a sanctuary for dogs that are too old or too sick to go back to the streets or beach, but now there are also many young, healthy dogs looking for a good home.

The kennels are full of street dogs, all newly sterilised and vaccinated.  Picked up by ARK, in the nearby city of Trivandrum, the state capital of Kerala, they have not been returned to the streets because of the very real risk of them being killed by the city corporation.

The law of India says that stray dog populations must be controlled by the ABC-AR programme, but Trivandrum city corporation is killing them with poison. This is not only cruel but pointless, as other dogs soon move into the area, so the problem will never end.

It costs at least £1,000 each month to run the charity, to pay staff and give the dogs one good meal a day. Animal Rescue Kerala is funded mainly by its founder Avis Lyons, although donations are received from supporters and people whose animals have been treated by our vet.

Food and gas prices have increased so much this year; it is getting harder each month to pay the bills. So it was absolutely vital that Adoption Weekend 2008 found homes for the maximum number of animals!

To publicise Adoption Weekend, the local Malayalam language newspaper printed an article on both days.  Abhed, our invaluable, bilingual, Keralite student volunteer, manned the telephone from 7am on Saturday, taking a total of more than 250 calls from prospective owners throughout the weekend and showing them around the centre!

In total 30 animals found good homes; 26 puppies, 2 dogs and 2 kittens and the charity received much needed positive press coverage and publicity. "There was a high demand for male puppies, even though we would sterilise the females for free", said Dr Suraj, our vet. Website: www.animalrescuekerala.org

Location: MALAYSIA - Kuala Lumpur
Event: KL Tower World Animal Day
Hosted by: SPCA Selangor

World Animal Day in Malaysia was celebrated on 2nd November at Kuala Lumpur Tower...with dogs being allowed to enter the premise! When the management approached SPCA Selangor to celebrate World Animal Day there, we were stunned as the management is entirely Moslems. Dogs in Malaysia, sad to say, are still the most unpriviledged companion animal that is mistreated and abused in any way possible.

The event took place from Noon to 6pm with activities, entertainment and stalls including: “Artists For Animals” Performances (Twilight Action Girl, Hunny Madu, Phlowtron & more), Cheerleaders, Capoiera & Hip-hop dance performances, Interactive Storytelling, Special Appearance by 50st Legion, Animals for Adoption (SPCA & PAWS), Launch of 'Animals Matter to Me Campaign', My Dog Agility & Obedience Demo, NGO booths (WWF, TRAFFIC, MYCAT), Animal Village (Purina, Rhone Ma, Jaafar Taib Wildlife Paintings, Suzy’s Stone Paintings, Petster Magazine, petfinder.my, Addiction (holistic, non animal tested pet food manufacturer), Petalog (pet fashion wear and accessories), Style Essentials (pet grooming), Gajah Gallery (art gallery on paintings featuring elephants, cats, etc), and lots more. One of the highlights of the day was a photography exhibition featuring selected photos of animals taken by the public.

A minimum of 30% of the proceeds taken by the booths were donated to the SPCA instead of paying booth charges to KL Tower. 200 free limited edition T-Shirts were donated by ActionTinToy for early birds! The event went very well and it was made even more special as the government has acknowledged the 'Animals Matter To Me' campaign in Malaysia - organisations throughout the world continue to collect signatures supporting a Universal Declaration of Animal Welfare.  Although this event took place outside our normal 2 week window either side of 4th October, it was promoted as a World Animal Day event and incorporated the WAD logo in its advertising. Meem Siah Li Ming, World Animal Day Ambassador, Malaysia.

Location: INDIA - Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
Event: World Animal Day Rally for Farm Animals
Hosted by: Seruds Coalition

We conducted a World Animal Day Rally in Kurnool Town to highlight the plight of Farm Animals. Participants included: School Teachers, Students, Environment Activists, Vegan Promotionalist, Coalition members, Non-Veg Vendors and Local Community Volunteers. Our rally promoted the benefits of becoming Vegetarian via slogans, placards, posters, badges etc. Kind regards, G Mallikarjuna, President, Seruds Coalition.

Location: SOUTH PACIFIC - SAMOA Islands, Apia
Event: Animal Expo Open Day
Hosted by: Animal Protection Society of Samoa

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated...”Ghandi. The chosen quote and theme by the Animal Protection Society in remembrance of this years’ celebration. Image: Avele College students at the sheep unit

In celebration of World Animal Day, the Animal Protection Society teamed up with the Animal Production and Health Division (Ministry of Agriculture) to hold an Animal Expo Open Day on Friday the 3rd of October from 9am to 2pm. In addition two buses, paid for by APS, were used to transport 8 schools to join in the celebration. Each school went on a one hour tour and had their chance to tour the livestock premises, including exhibits on pigs, chicken and sheep. Additionally, they were given the opportunity to see our vets working with dogs and cats and meet up with Seana (dog mascot) in action. Additionally, booths with educational pamphlets and a power point presentation helped further educate the students. This special celebration was very inspiring and the first time APS and APHD had teamed up and held this type of event. More than 200 children and a number of adults participated in our celebration of World Animal Day. At the end of the day, each person received a World Animal Day book mark souvenir and free juice. Kanani Sului, Humane Education Officer.

Location: MALAYSIA
Events: Various
Supported by: Shameem Siah Li Ming, World Animal Day Ambassador, Malaysia

Hello & greetings from Malaysia,

World Animal Day for us began on 29/9 and lasted until 5/10 @ The Pet Safari. It also spread over the weekend of the 4th & 5th at another shopping mall for a simple fundraising. The major event was held on 2/11 at KL Tower (Kuala Lumpur) and covered animal husbandry, grooming, dog training on basic obedience, baking of dog cookies & cup cakes, animal welfare forum on islam and dogs, movies pertaining to humans and animal bonding, films shown about the inhumane killing of animals for human consumption (some of you may have heard of the movie called Earthlings), stone painting of animals, t-shirt painting of animals and most importantly...adoption, adoption, adoption.

Location: CHINA - Chengdu
Events: Free Sterilization Campaign
Hosted by: Chengdu “Home of Love” Small Animal Protection Center

In order to celebrate WORLD ANIMAL DAY, as one of the biggest animal shelters, the 'Home of Love' organised the following activities:

We found that many people in Chengdu don’t know about the existence of World Animal Day. So, in order to address this, on 12th October our mobile clinic went to a community where about 5,000 people live to carry out free sterilization. With the help and support of 6 vets to carry out the operations and about 30 volunteers we sterilized 34 dogs and cats and distributed leaflets about World Animal Day, the benefits animal sterilzation and responsible pet ownership. On this day, many people brought their pets and some people brought the homeless dogs and cats to our mobile clinic. Through our efforts, many people in Chengdu know about World Animal Day and have accepted that sterilization is the way forward. Many of them promised to be responsible pet owners from now on and care for their pets properly.

According to the organization, there are 200,000 - 300,000 homeless animals in Chengdu. It's Mobile Sterilization Clinic was launched shortly before World Animal Day and the society plans to take it into all communities in and around Chengdu to provide free sterilization of pets. Thank you! Catherine.

Location: CHINA
Events: Various
Information supplied by: ACTAsia

World Animal Day is most grateful to Pei Feng Su of ACTAsia who liased with the Chinese groups and asked them to send short reports and images for inclusion on this website. Unfortunately, none of the groups replied, which is extremely disappointing, so she kindly asked one of her staff to collect the information via email and from websites. The report was then translated and sent to World Animal Day.

As far as we are aware, 13 Chinese animal protection groups got involved located in Beijing, Shenzhen, Changsha, Wuhan, Handan, Xiamen and Hefei. The organisations are: Changsha Small Animal Protection Association; Wuhan Stray Pet Shelter; Xiamen Animal Protection Association; SZcat; Chengdu “Home of Love” Small Animal Protection Center (see information above); Nanjing Cat Friend Club; Handan Small Animal Protection website; Capital Animal Protection Association; Anhui Loves You; Wuhan Stray Cat Shelter; Sichuan University Animal Protection Association; Xiamen Pet Website; Beijing University “Stray Angel” Animal Care and Love Association. Click here to read a copy of the report sent to World Animal Day by ACTasia which includes images [pdf]. We hope to include some images in the Image Gallery for Asia shortly (see bottom of page).

Location: ARMENIA
Event: Children's Awareness Programme/Art Competition / Theatre Performance
Hosted by: Khatutik NGO

Location: TAIWAN - Taipei
Event: Signature Campaign
Hosted by: Animal Protection Association of the Republic of China (APA)

'To love animals, you can go vegetarian!’ In celebration of World Animal Day, APA called on the Taiwanese public to consider becoming vegetarian. For the celebration, APA initiated a signature campaign and invited every animal welfare organization and members of the public who love animals to join it. Through this campaign, we raised awareness of World Animal Day and encouraged them to go vegetarian and save animals' lives. So far we have collected commitments from 33 organizations and 768 individual people have joined the signature campaign. See the campaign website. APA Website: www.apatw.org. Wendy Chi, APA.

Location: CHINA - Chengdu, Sichuan Province
Event: Chengdu launches humane stray control programme
Hosted by: Qiming Small Animal Protection Centre

Following intense lobbying, the Chengdu Municipality finally agreed to work with us and trial a humane stray control programme in collaboration with the Chengdu Police. Once the trial has been proven successful in one area of the city, we intend to see it extended throughout the urban area and then into rural areas.

The trial was launched to the media to mark World Animal Day when media reporters, accompanied by police, followed the capture team within the area of jurisdiction. Qiao Wei, the Centre's administrative manager, told reporters about the humane stray collection programme being trialled and explained their specialist clothing including protective gloves and capture equipment of 2 metre long grasping poles and specially made nets. He explained that they may need to anaesthatise large dogs using a blow pipe. Either way, the dogs will not be injured. The team soon found a stray dog and were able to demonstrate the new capture method. Local residents turned their heads away and shielded their eyes expecting to witness brutal treatment of the animal. The onlookers were pleasantly surprised to see the dog caught quickly, quietly and humanely and then it was placed in a cage. It was clear that the public were very much in favour of the new humane collection procedures rather than witnessing stray dogs being hit over the head with a wooden bat which was very distressing, particularly for children. The team went on to collect four more stray dogs and then they were taken to the central base to be cared for and eventually rehomed.

Qiao Wei told reporters that at present only a verbal agreement was in place with Chengdu Police Station but once the new methods had been proven, the programme would be introduced throughout the city and eventually throughout the province. Report sent by Mr Oscar Lau. Mr Qiao Wei, Director, Qiming Small Animal Protection Centre. Images to follow shortly.

Location: RUSSIA - St Petersburg
Event: Shelter Open Days
Hosted by: Charity Fund's Dog Shelter / Bolshoy Smolensky shelter

Here is our report about the World Animal Day events in Saint-Petersburg. Two shelters for homeless dogs got involved in the celebrations this year.

In the Charity Fund's dog shelter everything was ready to meet its guests: it was decorated and there was plenty of delicious food on offer. On the 4th October everyone was welcome to visit our shelter to meet the dogs and talk about our activities with the Charity Fund's founders. The shelter dogs put on a special show and displayed their agility skills.

Schoolchildren from Kalininsky and Primorsky districts of Saint-Petersburg visited the shelter. We prepared them an animal first-aid competition and the children presented the shelter with a big teddy bear.Representatives of the city administration and local TV-channels were also invited to the event.

Children from the boarding school # 51 joined the WAD event that tookplace at the Bolshoy Smolensky shelter.We were really excited, but a bit concerned about the children's attitude
to the dogs, because although their greeting would be friendly they sometimes bark very loudly! Fortunately, everything was just great. The children and the dogs were very happy and enjoyed their time together. The children participated in various activities including contests, singing and riddles. They were very enthusiastic about taking part in the competitions, especially as everybody won a prize!

We were really pleased and surprised by the spectacular show presented by the actors of the Dog Theater. Being deeply impressed by the dogs from the shelter and by the show, the children sang a song as a present for World Animal Day and each of them left a note sending their best wishes to the shelter's pets and staff.Everyone involved in celebrating WAD at the Bolshoy Smolensky shelter were so glad to be there.

We believe that such events are useful for both children and the dogs. During this day it became obvious that children greatly benefit by having a pet as even the most unsociable and shy children as well as the most untrustful dogs opened their hearts to this new exciting feeling of friendship. It's not easy to see a child left by his own parents holding a homeless dog in his arms. That is when you have to face up to the fact that sometimes life is very unfair and cruel to those who are vulnerable and least able to cope.

We would like to give our thanks and kind regards to everyone who joined us to celebrate World Animal Day.

Location: MALAYSIA - Penang
Event: Charity Food Fair
Hosted by: SPCA Penang

We held a Charity Food Fair at the Silver Jubilee Hall on September 28th to mark World Animal Day. The event was supported by the Penang Agility Association who organised a 'Dog Parade' and 'Name the Breed Contest'. The food was good and the event was well supported by the public.

All funds raised at this event will be added to our Building Fund to enable us, at some point in the future, to purchase at least an acre of land to build a better shelter for our animals. At the moment we only have about 6,000 square feet which is far too small. Lily Leng, Administrator.

Location: PAKISTAN - Lahore
Event: Grand Bird Show
Hosted by: Budgerigar Society of Pakistan / Vets Care Club UVAS

The Budgerigar Society of Pakistan held its Grand Bird Show in celebration of World Animal Day on 12th October because of Eid. Next year, the show will be held on October 4 in line with the global community. This event was held with the participation of the Vets Care Club UVAS.

The Vets Care Club orgainzed a massive awareness campaign at the show urging people to provide comfort to the birds kept in their homes. They also displayed posters and banners to raise public awareness of World Animal Day. The Club used the occasion to provide information about the breeding habits of local birds. The Vets Care Club distributed pamphlets about animal rights, animal welfare and WAD, and put the WAD Pledge Board on our stall which was very popular. Visitors also signed the WSPA Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.

A large number of people attended the function to see the various bird species, which included around 500 participants in the bird competition judged by experts from India and England. Around 300 Budgerigar and 200 Cockatiel birds were also on display at the exhibition. Families, and children in particular, had enjoyed the show and greatly appreciated the large variety of birds on display. The event attracted a great deal of media coverage. Waseem Shaukat, President, Vets Care Club UVAS

Location: PAKISTAN
Event: Animal Welfare Awareness Rally
Hosted by: Animal Save Movement

Location: JORDAN
Event: Jordan Celebrates World Animal Day
Hosted by: SPANA Jordan

SPANA, the Society for the Protection of Animals in Jordan, celebrated World Animal Day on Tuesday 7th October at the Jordan University for Science and Technology (JUST) in Irbid, patronized by HRH Prince Asem Bin Nayef.

Here in the Al Farouk Theater at JUST the event began with an introduction by SPANA Director Dr Ghazi Mostafa, followed by a welcome speech by University President Dr Wajih Oweis. Boys from the local Idoon High School sang a song about the many ways in which animals contribute to the lives of humans beings, and that they should therefore be respected by humans.

SPANA showed a film describing the work carried out at its two clinics and in the field with working animals belonging to farmers in outlying villages and camps, in conjunction with the Brooke Hospital for Animals.

Prince Asem then presented SPANA plaques to the Governor of Irbid, the President of the University, the Director of the second district of Irbid in the Ministry of Education, the Veterinary Association and Jordan TV. Illustrated lectures were presented by SPANA London’s Veterinary Director Dr. Karen Reed, and Sameh Abo Tarbosh Assistant Professor of Large Animals internal medicine in the veterinary faculty at J.U.S.T. who both talked about the many eye problems in Equines. They were thanked by the Dean of the Veterinary Department Dr. Sa’eb Al Soukhon, who also presented certificates to veterinary students who participated in the event.

On Wednesday 8th October 2008, the second day of our three-day event, was held at Deir Abu Said secondary girls school in Koura, and was attended by the Deputy Minister of Education. Opening ceremony participants and guests toured an exhibition of student’s paintings, models, the work of SPANA, the Brooke Hospital for Animals and the Ministry of Agriculture and Education. After the exhibition, SPANA and World Animal Day balloons were released. Several lectures followed: Dr Karen Reed talked about Rabies, Professor Zuhair Malkawil from J.U.S.T talked about keeping pet animals, the Administrator of the Brooke Hospital Princess Alia Clinic in Petra, Slaman Mashaeleh, talked about wound management and Sheikh Mohammed Al Baik talked about animals in religion, and finally, a student of one of the school clubs gave an illustrated presentation.

on Thursday 9th October we held an open day for farmers and owners in the area near Deir Abu Said School, who brought their animals to the SPANA mobile clinics for inspection and treatment. This activity was watched by students from the school Animal clubs.
The number animals treated on that day were as follows: 80 dogs and cats were given Rabies vaccinations; 152 horses were examined and treated; 102 donkeys were examined and treated; 152 sheep, goats and others were examined and treated making a total of 486 animals that benefited from this initiative.

Finally, one month before the celebration and during the three days, we circulated a special Poster Petition to collect the signatures of people who believe that we as humans have a responsibility to treat animals with love and respect and ensure their good health and welfare. We were delighted to collect 17,500 signatures! Dr Mustafa Ghazi, SPANA Jordan.

Location: INDIA - Calcutta
Event: BSNL supports World Animal Day
Hosted by: Compassionate Crusaders Trust

At the request of the Compassionate Crusaders, 1 lakh (1,00,000) subscribers of BSNL, mobile phones Calcutta, were sent the following message via SMS:

"WORLD ANIMAL DAY - 4th October! Want to help an animal in distress? - Call Kolkata ANIMAL HELPLINE @ 24239100".

Result: More than 150 animal lovers called up on World Animal Day alone asking the following questions - our reply is in brackets:

a)Asking about our service for stray animals in distress (this service is free);
b)Asking about our pet-care service (OPD with registration fees of 10INR, PetXpress Trauma care reach out service - 300INR minimum fees);
c)Asking about our tax exemption status (monetary donations are 50% tax deductible);
d)Asking if we will collect material donations such as food grains , pet food,furniture, office equipment etc (gladly!).

Debasis Chakrabarti, Founder, Compassionate Crusaders Trust. Email: debasischak@vsnl.net Website: www.animalcrusaders.org

Location: INDIA - South Calcutta
Event: Animal Welfare Awareness Banners displayed at Mega Carnival
Hosted by: Conpassionate Crusaders Trust/People for Animals Calcutta/Rotary Club of Calcutta South Suburban

A joint campaign for Animal Welfare was organized by ‘CCT’ (Compassionate Crusaders Trust) & ‘PFA’ (People for Animals, Calcutta) in association with Rotary Club of Calcutta South Suburban. R.I Dist.3291 (Rotary International Club No.30169).

50 Animal Welfare Awareness Banners were distributed and displayed among 14 festival committees of south Kolkata City in India. In the month of October 2008, a 24 hours X 6 day Mega Carnival / Festival – DURGA PUJA was organized by several civic clubs of Kolkata. Estimated 50 Lacks of people has visited all those 14 clubs in 6 days. We could reach at least half of them i.e.: 25 Lacks of people could see our banners!

The banners highlighted welfare issues including zoos, animal experiments, promoted the sterilisation of strays, condemned religious sacrifice, the benefits of vegetarianism, live transport, circuses and other entertainment involving animals such as bear and monkey dance.

Location: INDIA - New Delhi & Guwahati in Assam
Event: Children's Quiz / Play / Anti-Rabies Vaccnination Drive / Awareness Drive
Hosted by: JBF (Just Be Friendly)/Amanda Seth/Friendicoes-Seca

In New Delhi & Guwahati, JBF organized several events to observe World Animal Day.  We organized a Children's Quiz about animals at the JBF Informal School in Viklang Basti which is a poor area in south Delhi. The children were very enthusiastic and took part in full confidence. For the younger group there was a small play related to animals to give an idea about the welfare of animals. Prizes were distributed among the children who won the Quiz.

Another event to mark World Animal Day was the Anti-Rabies Vaccination Drive to benefit the stray dogs in the area around the JBF Informal School - Viklang Basti, Prabhu Basti, Lodhi Road, and CGO. This project was carried out with the help and support of Mrs Amanda Seth, Animal Welfarist, and a team from Friendicoes-Seca, another animal welfare organization. Twenty-seven dogs were vaccinated, one dog was taken to be sterilised and another was taken for treatment of a maggot infested wound.

The JBF team visited cattle keepers in the Kotla Mubarakpur area to raise awareness of cattle welfare issues. The cattle keepers were again requested to take proper care of their cattle by providing shelter, food & veterinary help and not tying them in the bank of the drain and letting them take food from the garbage pit.

We also organized an Awareness Drive amongst schoolchildren at Guwahati in Assam. With the focus on World Animal Day and the growing interest and enthusiasm in animal welfare issues, JBF provided a basic knowledge on this emerging subject to the children of our society through a lecture in different schools of Guwahati. The Flyer – “RABIES: What you need to know” was distributed among schoolchildren and the general public to create awareness about Animal Welfare.

JBF also organized an Anti-Rabies vaccination camp and inaugurated locally made environmentally friendly dog kennels at an Animal Relief Centre on World Animal Day. These kennels will help JBF to increase the number of ABC operation and to provide rehabilitation facilities to more homeless dogs.
"JBF is working for the animals since a long back and will continue its effort to reach its vision to help building a prospective society through animal welfare where co-existence of human and animal is symbiotic” says Dr. Sashanka S. Dutta – Chief Functionary of JBF, who is also a co-opted member of the Animal Welfare Board of India, Ministry of Environment & Forests. For additional information please contact JBF at jbfindia@gmail.com or ring at 9818241962 (Delhi) & 9954449528(Guwahati)

Location: SYRIA - Damascus
Event: Full Day of Celebrations
Hosted by: SPANA Syria

In the early morning of the 4th of October 2008, hundreds of families joined the SPANA team to celebrate World Animal Day 2008 on a farm near Damascus, the oldest inhabited capital in the world. Under the patronage of Dr Riad Naasan Aga, Minister for Culture, and with the presence of Mrs Diaa Mandawi, Ambassador of Venezuela in Syria, and famous drama artist Mrs Suzan Najm Eldeen, Dr Darem Tabbaa, Director of Spana in Syria congratulated all participants. An opera song of Carl Orf was performed by opera singer Fadi Atiah and pianist Natalia Kotsherova.

The children's art exhibition on animals and the environment was then opened which included participants from throughout Syria. The winners were presented with their awards and the children started making friends with all the animals that joined the celebration including a camel, donkey, horse and foal, cow, calf, goat, turkey, cat, white mice and rabbits.

The Kunga (Syrian royal equid extinct animal) was pronounced as Syrian animal of the year 2008. Kunga is a suggested pronunciation of a Sumerian word that was written in cuneiform script as early as 2600 BC.  They are mentioned in ancient texts from Ebla (Tell Mardikh) and Nabada (Tell Beydar) in Syria, and also from sites in southern Mesopotamia. Their breeding was entirely under human control and the animals did not exist in the wild.  In the 3rd millennium, one center of breeding was in the kingdom of Nagar whose capital was at Tell Brak, Syria.  Kunga from Nagar were thought to be of superior quality and were frequently requested by the king of Ebla, the parents are Equus hemionus (wild ass) and Equus asinus (domestic donkey), the personal traits are strong, fast, long legged, attractive in appearance and sterile.

Kunga were very valuable animals and were exchanged between kings as an aristocratic animal, and remained the preferred royal steed until around 2100 BC when donkeys were bred with horses to create mules.  After that time the stronger and faster mule was preferred for pulling chariots and carts and the kunga became obsolete.  In the 2nd millennium BC, the kunga was no longer written about and its extensive breeding may have stopped.   Certainly it was no longer an animal of royalty. Sporadic breeding occurred during Roman times, but little else is known of a deliberate breeding program of the animal.  The animal could be bred anywhere that both donkeys and onagers (ass) both live, and might even be found today.

The was followed by children collecting many puzzle pieces of a cow and a group photograph was taken under the completed cow puzzle. The theatre group of the Directorate of Children's Culture directed by Roni Zaza enacted a play about an owl and a chicken. Throughout the day refreshments were served all made from dairy products such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, mortadella and cakes. The celebration was covered by 3 Syrian TV channels, newspapers and the famous program of youth mirrors at the radio of Monte Carlo. Finally, the Minister of Education circulated a letter to all schools in Syria to encourage participation in celebrating World Animal Day. Dr Darem Tabbaa, SPANA, Syria.

Location: INDIA, Mumbai
Event: Open Day, Art Competition and Veterinary Camp
Hosted by: Mumbai Panjrapole Trust

The Panjrapole Trust, established in 1834, has seven branches with 150 workers and around 200 casual workers in Bhuleshwar, Raita, Mala, Walsind, Lakhivali, Chembur, & Bhiladwith. Next year the trust will be completing 175 years of its existence.

In all we care for 1,500 animals which includes cows, goats, dogs, parrots, pigeons, ducks, and chickens. In short, Bombay Panjrapole keeps all the animals which are saved from the Slaughter Houses not only providing them with food and shelter but also care is taken about their health and hygiene for the rest of their life.

We have been celebrating World Animal Day since 2007 and last year we organized a Veterinary Camp for the animals. Lot of organizations as well as individuals took advantage of the camp by taking their pets for a free medical check up. A Puja was performed to commemorate the day.

We installed the first computer at Panjrapole on the same day. Since that day we have started giving computer training to the staff and are in the process of transferring all our data to computer systems. Subsequent to that day, lots of other systems and processes have been implemented to ensure the Trust functions smoothly.

This year, World Animal Day was celebrated by inviting children from nearby schools to visit Panjrapole. The students were very enthusiastic and excited about feeding the animals and watching them at such close proximity was in itself a wonderful experience for them. All the children fed the cows with grass and they had great fun feeding the pigeons. The children were gifted with pencil, eraser and sketch pens and asked to enter our animal art competition. The 3 best drawings/paintings were selected and prizes awarded. This year we also organized a free Veterinary Camp for the animals.

We are trying our best to create awareness amongst the general public in order to educate them with regard to animal welfare and encourage compassion towards all living creatures. Suman, Mumbai Panjrapole Trust. Email: suman68shetty@rediffmail.com 

Location: INDIA - Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh
Event: Awareness Campaign to improve the welfare of farm animals
Hosted by: Seruds Coalition

In celebration of World Animal Day and World Farm Animals Day, we will continue our work on behalf of farm animals in the Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh where we will work with School Teachers, Students, Environment Activists, Vegan Promotionalist, Coalition members, Non-Veg Vendors and Local Community Volunteers. We will do our best to touch the hearts and change the mindset of non-veg eaters within our community by holding a rally, displaying posters and distributing badges. The Seruds Coalition is a Sabina Fund recipient (Farm USA), working on behalf of farm animals and promoting a healthy, plant-based diet. Kind regards, G.MALLIKARJUNA, B.E., MSW President, SERUDS Coalition, D.No. 46 / 740, BUDHAVARAPETA, KURNOOL–518 002, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA. Mobile: 0-98499 77577 Phone: +91-08518 - 255626

Location: NEPAL - Kathmandu
Event: Children's Art Compeition
Hosted by: National Zoonoses and Food Hygiene Centre (NZFHRC)

In Nepal World Animal Day was organized jointly by Animal Production Division, Veterinary Public Health unit of Department of Livestock Services (VPH/DLS), Kathmandu Animal Treatment Centre
(KAT), Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), Mount Glory English Boarding High School and
Divya Gyan English Boarding High School Chagal, Kathamndu, Nepal.

We organised several events in celebration of World Animal Day. The first, a children's Art Competition with the theme of loving animals and protecting their rights. 90 students attending the Mount Glory English Boarding High School, Chagal, Kathamndu, participated in the art competition with certificates for everyone and prizes awarded for the winning ten entries. Prizes were presented by principal Mr. Gopal Acharya and Dr. D. D. Joshi, Executive Chairman of NZFHRC.

Three schools from Lalitpur district participated in a talk competition programme at the DLS Office. Prizes were awarded by Director General Dr. Pursottam Mainali of DLS. Also, there was a talk programme and Dr. Joshi gave a speech on the importance and role of animals in human life. National Zoonoses and Food Hygiene Research Centre (NZFHRC), GPO Box 1885, Chagal, Kathmandu, Nepal, Jeevan Smriti Marg House no. 468/32 Ward no. 13 KMC. Phone: +977-1-4270667 Fax: +977-1-4272694 Email: ddjoshi@healthnet.org.np Website: www.nzfhrc.org.np

Location: MALAYSIA - Kuala Lumpur
Event: Dog Walk / Humane Education campaign / Children's Art Contest and much, much more!
Hosted by: Remembering Sheena Campaign and Furry Friends Farm

Here in Malaysia the Remembering Sheena Campaign and Furry Friends Farm celebrated World Animal Day at Bangsar Village Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

It was special because we had a Dog Walk around the area to create awareness about animals with about 70 members of the public signing up to walk with their dogs.  All the dogs were given special scarves by the Animal Asia Foundation, Hong Kong. Animals Asia launched the Dr Dog Programme in Hong Kong and it is now in seven countries including Malaysia, where the programme is run by the Furry Friends Farm.

Furry Friends Farm is a no-kill animal shelter run by Sabrina Yeap. It is about 3 acres and Sabrina rents the place with her own income supplemented by the public's generous contributions. 

The Dr Dog programme is one where selected members of the public whose dogs have passed an examination, will be allowed to visit children's homes, old folks homes and we are hoping one day even the hospitals and prisons, God willing.

The dogs bring healing to the sick and lonely and abused. The Dog Walk was led by Malaysia's Dr Dogs followed by the dogs at Furry Friends Farm animal shelter and then the public's dogs. My dog 'Gideon Sunday' was Malaysia's first Dr Dog but, sadly, I had to put him down before the event as he was very old and beginning to suffer. 

The main emphasis of our event was on 'education' as most shelters here only focus on collecting donations and putting down unwanted pets and strays. Very little attention is given to educating the public on the responsibilities of keeping a pet and how to show kindness to strays.

We had a screen with educational videos playing. 

Muslim dog handlers were treated to a Samak soap demonstration. The soap, marketed by Tahara Global (M) Sdn Bhd, is prepared under strict Islamic guidelines and allows Muslims who come into contact with dogs to wash according to religious prescription. This is to counter the negative perception of muslims about dogs and results in many cases reported in the papers of cruelty shown by municipal council officers towards stray dogs.

Other activities held included dog grooming, a demonstration of the Dr Dog examination procedure and a children's art contest where the first three winners will each be feted to a high tea buffet for two adults and two children, compliments of the Park Royal Hotel.

There was also a cat adoption programme by Petfinder while music was in the air through the fluid fingers of violinist, Dennis Lau, who performed Prelude, an original composition from his upcoming album.

Children entering the art competition were required to draw the Furry Friends Farm's puppies in front of them. It was quite challenging as the puppies moved about here and there. Jojo, our 2nd Ambassador, was there to join in the fun and he helped to cut the FFF's 2nd Anniversary cake. A prize presentation for the children's art contest winners were other highlights that added to the revelry.

Samak soap, cakes and delicacies, pet food, t-shirts with animal logos and packed vegetarian food sponsored by the Dharma Realm Guan Yin Sagely Monastery in Jalan Ampang were sold to raise funds for the FFF, which rescues and rehomes abandoned and abused animals. All the 5 local Chinese papers published our event the following day.

For more information about the FFF, please visit www.furryfriendsfarm2006.blogspot.com. For more information on animal welfare in Malaysia visit www.remembersheena.blogspot.com

Warmest regards, Shoba Mano, The Remembering Sheena Campaign

And finally.... you are invited to watch their World Animal Day celebration at Bangsar Village Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Furry Friends Farm would like to thank all volunteers and supporters who helped make this event a Great Success! Woof! Woof! From all Furry Kids at the Furry Friends Farm....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj5jvkNsYIw

Location: CHINA - Hong Kong
Event: Jill Robinson speaks at Foreign Correspondents' Club
Hosted by: Animals Asia Foundation

World Animal Day Ambassador for Asia, Jill Robinson MBE, gave a World Animal Day address to a packed house at the Foreign Correspondents Club in Hong Kong on September 30. 

Jill, who is Founder and CEO of Animals Asia Foundation, gave the presentation “Endangered and abused - time running out for bears in China”, bringing many in the lunchtime audience to tears.

Jill told the shocked audience that there may be as few as 16,000 Asiatic black bears left in the wild. Also known as moon bears because of the yellow crescents of fur on their chests, these majestic animals are listed as highly endangered under CITES’ Appendix 1. And yet as many as 10,000 moon bears lay confined in tiny cages on cruel bile farms throughout China. Jill, through Animals Asia, the organisation she founded in 1998, has been working tirelessly to end this brutal industry and to bring respect to these bears while there is still time.

Jill’s unique brand of compassion and dogged tenacity has seen her strike a landmark deal with the Chinese authorities to rescue 500 farmed moon bears and bring them to Animals Asia’s sanctuary in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. The agreement, the first between the Chinese Government and any outside NGO, also spells out the authorities’ intention to promote herbal alternatives to bear bile and to end bear farming. But too little is being done too late. 

Jill also raised concerns about the possible harmful effects on humans who consumed bear bile, which is contaminated with urine, pus and faeces.

Location: CHINA - Lamma Island, Hong Kong
Event: World Animal Day Concert
Hosted by: Animals Asia Foundation

Unfortunately, months of preparation went to waste when a threatened typhoon scuttled Animals Asia’s plans to hold a World Animal Day Concert on a beach on Lamma Island, which is off Hong Kong Island. Lamma Island, whose inhabitants are known for their love of animals, rallied to the cause anyway, happily dressing their dogs in World Animal Day bandanas sponsored by Animals Asia.

Location: CHINA - Jiangsu
Event: Wildlife Protection Awareness Conference
Hosted by: Changzhou Wild Bird Society

In celebration of World Animal Day we organized a Wildlife Protection Awareness Conference at Jiangsu Polytechnic University on 12th October. Our conference attracted about 100 participants from organisations and individuals involved in protecting animals and improving their welfare and others who expressed an interest in learning more. After the conference, we held a meeting with the Chairperson of each of the organisations that attended and agreed to form wildbird watching teams in each of our universities. Mr Qi Feihong, Director. Email: qifh55@163.com Website: www.czbird.org

Location: HONG KONG
Event: Awareness Campaign
Hosted by: Concern Animal Heart

On World Animal Day, we screened a Powerpoint Presentation for the passing public at MTR Sha Tin Station Access B. We also had an information stand at this location to raise awareness of World Animal Day and the issues surrounding animals in Hong Kong with an emphasis on making people understand that animals feel pain the same way as we do. We are delighted that our event drew a lot of public attention making it a very rewarding day. Gloria. Website: www.cah.org.hk

Location: INDIA
Event: Let's Celebrate World Animal Day!
Hosted by: Kenriya Vidyalalaya Pitampura

To acknowledge the diverse roles that animals play in our lives and be thankful for the way they enrich our lives Kendriya Vidyalaya Pitampura celebrated World Animal day with great enthusiasm. We held a Quiz Competition, Exhibition and organised an entertainment programme.

Dr A K Sharma, Principal KV Pitampura presided over the function as the Chief Guest. The students presented fancy dress, dances and skits encompassing all kinds of animal life. ‘Mogli and his friends’, English skit ‘Who is more important’, fancy dress by nursery children, ‘Election in jungle’ and dances highlighted the plight of endangered species and conveyed the message that if man has the right to live then so do the animals. The programme was appreciated and enjoyed by one and all. A mimicry presentation by Mr Bhatt was also greatly applauded. The exhibition proved to be a great source of knowledge for the students. The Principal in his speech stressed the need to care for animals and treat them with respect. He said that avoiding non–vegetarian food for at least one day would be true homage towards animals. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Vice Principal, Shri SS Mann of the Vidyalaya. Dr A K Sharma, Principal.

Location: MALAYSIA
Event: In-Store Fundraising, Education and Animal Photo Contest
Hosted by: The Pet Safari

The Pet Safari, Malaysia organized a hugely successful fundraising campaign to benefit SPCA & PAWS to celebrate World Animal Day 2008 which ran from 30th September – 5th October. During the 6 day campaign we raised the magnificent sum of RM 14,500.00 from public donations and this will be shared equally between SPCA & PAWS.

The event successfully created awareness of World Animal Day and we celebrated it with the rest of the world. NGOs successfully raised donations, created awareness and promoted pet adoption by highlighting the plight of sheltered animals. Customers treated their pet with more respect and our four-legged friends got to try and use good quality products via our in-house promotions and the goodies they received. We successfully educated the public by selling copies of 'Silent Cries', a book that started out as the SAVE ANIMALS book project, with the objective of promoting awareness of animal welfare issues and responsible pet ownership in Malaysia through education. ‘Silent Cries’ not only includes true stories from the animals’ perspective, but also valuable information about caring for a pet, fun quizzes, interesting facts and recipes, and also interviews with real people and celebrities who have pets. The book also includes real case pictures of abused animals and much more.

During the event, customers that donated RM 10.00 or more to the NGOs walked away with a rang of goodies such as the limited edition WAD Environmental Friendly Bags, limited edition WAD T-shirts, limited edition WAD baseball caps, special edition recycled pencil, and also goodie bags worth more than RM 50.00. Throughout the event, staff wore WAD T-shirts, caps and paraded with WAD Environmental Friendly Bag to create awareness and to encourage donations.

Booths (stalls) were set at The Pet Bazaar for SPCA, PAWS, and PETSTER Magazine to display and sell merchandise. Petster Magazine (Malaysia’s 1st Free Pet Lifestyle Magazine) covered the event and gave away free magazines. The news of the event will also be available in Pet Lovers Centre and The Pet Safari official website.

To create awareness and encourage participation from the public, 42 photos participated in the WAD Cute & Adorable Animal Photo Contest which was held for 12 days from 29th September to 10th October. All customers that purchase from Pet Lovers Centre from 29th October until 11th October are eligible to vote for the winners. Each RM 25.00 purchased entitles customers to 1 vote. The WAD celebration ended with the announcement of 3 winners with the highest vote for the contest and 10 lucky customers that voted. Winners and lucky voters walked away with cash vouchers and more goodies. Jenny Yee.

IMAGE GALLERY
Selected additional images of events that took place in Asia in 2008