Location: ENGLAND - Stafford, Midlands
Event: Animal Shelter Collection
Hosted by: Areve T& D Technology Centre, Stafford.

Location: ENGLAND - Buxted Park, East Sussex
Event: World Animal Day Thanksgiving Service for All Creatures Great and Small
Hosted by: St Margaret the Queen Church & International Animal Rescue, Uckfield

Animal lovers in East Sussex braved the bad weather to attend a service of thanksgiving and celebrate World Animal Day at Buxted church on Sunday 5 October. Although owners of larger and more exotic pets didn’t attempt to bring their animals into the church, many dog owners did, as well as a family who brought their pet rabbit to be blessed.

The atmosphere was very relaxed and friendly among the human and canine congregation. Rev John Challis told several exceptionally bad animal jokes and read a piece from a similar service which takes place in The Vicar of Dibley. The collection was made for Uckfield charity International Animal Rescue, and three members of the team were present: Lis Key, Communications Manager, who gave an address to the congregation, Carrie Colliss, Development Director, and Sue Ovens, Accounts Manager.

At the end of the service, after the blessing of the animals, refreshments were served for two and four-legged visitors.

In light of the reduced turnout owing to the poor weather, Rev Challis has invited International Animal Rescue to attend again next year, in the hope that it will be fine and the service can take place outside in the picturesque churchyard.

This year’s collection raised more than £90.00 to support IAR’s work rescuing and rehabilitating suffering animals around the world.

Lis Key said: “It was a real pleasure to attend the service and meet local parishioners and their pets. It’s always gratifying to meet people who share our passion for animals and talk to them about the work we’re doing around the world. We’re really keen to raise awareness of the charity among animal lovers living in the Sussex area and we all thoroughly enjoyed attending the service and meeting the animals and their owners. We’d like to thank Rev Challis and the members of his church for inviting us to the service and generously donating the collection to us.”

For further information please visit www.internationalanimalrescue.org

Location: ENGLAND - Ringmer, East Sussex
Event: Open Day & Rabbit Behaviour Seminar
Hosted by: Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare

Raystede celebrated World Animal Day on Saturday 4th October. Despite inclement weather a good number of people visited in celebration of animals. Guided tours "behind the scenes" were conducted throughout the day and were well attended. A special equine tour also took place and people had the chance to get close to some of the 25 horses, ponies and donkeys kept at Raystede. The Animal Protection Agency also attended with an information point to talk about their quest to cease the trade in exotic wildlife and in particular Parrots.

The small animals department headed by Leigh Forbes organised a ‘Rabbit Behaviour’ seminar during the morning which was very well attended and a great success. Suzanne Rogers who ran the workshop, is the founder of Learning About Animals. With a long-term passion for rabbits and an interest in how animals learn, she brought the two together for this workshop.
Valerie Carus, PA to the Chief Executive, Raysted Centre for Animal Welfare.

Location: ENGLAND - Portscatho, Cornwall
Event: Animal Service for Children
Hosted by: St Gerrans Church, Portscatho supported by Cornwall's Voice for Animals

No animal was too big and no child too small to attend a church service for pets at St Gerrans. Rev. Jill Edwards organised the service which attracted a congregation of around 35 people and 20 pets. From guinea pigs to rabbits and dogs, they came in all shapes and sizes. There was also a pair of hens rescued by villagers when around 1,000 laying hen from a poultry farm in Sussex who were due to be killed were brought to Cornwall for rehoming earlier this year. One lady even brought a toy penguins, so as not to feel left out! Rev Jill said: "It was a lovely service and a great success. I think it's the first time such a service has been held in Gerrans and it will definitely be something we'll do again next year." The service was followed by an event at Jollity Farm conveniently located directly behind the church. Information and images supplied by Mary Alice Pollard, Cornwall's Voice for Animals.

Location: ENGLAND - Wantage, Oxfordshire
Event: Animal Blessing Service
Hosted by: St John Vianney Catholic Church

Despite the very wet and windy weather, dogs, cats, rabbits. Guinea pigs, chickens and a rescued donkey packed into the church of St John Vianney on Sunday 5th October for the annual Animal Blessing Service.

The simple ecumenical service which has now become a regular event in the Wantage Church calender, was led by the Parish Priest Canon Peter Turbitt and the address was given by the Reverend Jennifer Brown from Oxford.

During the service to give thanks for the animals and creatures who share our world,  each animal received an individual blessing from the two priests. Led by Pollyanne the rescued donkey from the Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary at Brightwell cum Sotwell (Near Wallingford), the animals and their well behaved human companions all met up afterwards for tea, carrots and dog biscuits in the church hall and to share their animal stories.

Said Canon Peter Turbitt after the service, “ It is wonderful to see so many people here today with their animals - people of all ages - showing that they care for the created and the creatures who share our planet.”

A retiring collection was made for the work of the Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary. Wanda Oberman.

Location: ENGLAND - East Sussex
Event: Launch of New Campaign to Stop the World's Largest Dolphin Hunt
Hosted by: Campaign Whale

For World Animal Day this year we launched a new appeal to our members and supporters to support our vital campaign to stop the world’s largest dolphin hunt – before it is too late. Details of the campaign and how supporters of World Animal Day can also help the cause follow…

This year at the International Whaling Commission (the IWC) in Santiago, Chile, Campaign Whale encouraged an unprecedented 15 countries to speak out against the slaughter of 20,000 dolphins, porpoises and other small whales each year by Japanese fishermen. Over the years we have succeeded in keeping this crucial issue on the agenda at the IWC, building international political support and lobbying scientists to speak out, despite furious opposition from Japan. However, the only way we can stop the killing once and for all is to move our campaign to Japan itself – to tell the Japanese people the truth that their government is keeping from them. The truth about the brutal killings of dolphins, and the truth about the contaminated dolphin meat found in free school lunches.

Campaign Whale now has a unique opportunity to make a real difference on the ground in Japan by joining an international coalition of groups (Save the Japan Dolphins Coalition), who are working together to stop the slaughter. We would be the only British organisation in this coalition. We urgently need financial support to be able to campaign effectively – and to stop the killing. You can help us by writing to the Japanese Embassy in your country asking them to stop the dolphin killing and to prohibit the sale of mercury-contaminated dolphin meat. For more information and to find out how you can get involved, visit www.campaign-whale.org and for more info on the coalition please see www.savejapandolphins.org. Report provided by Zosia Durniat, Campaign Whale.

Location: ENGLAND - Birmingham
Event: Animals Count Party Conference
Hosted by: Animals Count - a political party for people and animals

Animals Count – the new political party for people and animals – successfully held its first Party Conference on World Animal Day at the Carrs Lane Church Centre in Birmingham, thereby claiming the city back from the animal-unfriendly Tories who held their conference in Birmingham last week.

Animals Count members came from all over England and Wales. Delicious vegan catering, including yummy cakes, was enjoyed by all. Leader Jasmijn de Boo reviewed the successes of Animals Count and its Dutch sister party, which already has two MPs. The Committee of National Officers and members also discussed plans for contesting the 2009 European Parliamentary (EP) Elections.

The EP elections are of utmost importance for animals and the environment. Many EU Directives, Conventions and other regulations determine policy at EU-level, and have implications for UK national legislation. The EU often sets policy based on the lowest common denominator, while the UK is usually more progressive than other European countries in terms of animal protection.

During the next months Animals Count will be preparing for the EP elections. The Dutch political Party for the Animals is very likely to win one or more seats in the European Parliament. We hope to achieve similar success so that we can work together in the EU to improve billions of animals' lives, not only in the UK, but across Europe. Animals Count; they count on you! Jasmijn de Boo, Chair, Animals Count.

Location: ENGLAND - Beenham, Reading, Berkshire
Event: Open Day
Hosted by: UK Wolf Conservation Trust

More than 500 people visited the UK Wolf Conservation Trust Open Day on Sunday 5th October in celebration of World Animal Day. The magnificent sum of £5000 was raised which will go towards conservation projects for the protection of wolves and to keep them in the wild.

Family groups and visitors from as far away as Dorset and the Midlands attended the event, which was the first of its kind. There were demonstrations by wildlife artists Vic Bearcroft and Sue Shimeld, activities for children and the chance to meet Michelle Paver, the author of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness book series, about a boy’s fight for survival alongside his wolf companion. Image: Pups: Mosi, Mai and Torak

The UK Celebrity Ambassador for World Animal Day, TV wildlife presenter Anneka Svenska, said: “This event is a coming together of everyone across the country to celebrate animals." “One of the biggest problems in urban areas is the loss of habitat and we are seeing many species disappear." “We need to bring the wild back into our back gardens.” A cheque presentation for £1,500 was made at the event by the trust to the Born Free Foundation, an international wildlife charity working to stop individual wild animals suffering and protect threatened species in the wild. The cheque, which matched the funds raised by a Walk for Wolves event in September at Battersea Park, London, was received on behalf of the foundation by Anneka Svenska, who said the money would go towards helping protect Ethiopian wolves, the most endangered wolves in the world.

One of the trust’s senior handlers, Linda Paul, said: “The day was absolutely fantastic despite the weather.“To have that amount of people was amazing and it has undoubtedly helped us raise public awareness of what we do and the importance of protecting these species. ”Educating the public is of paramount importance to us and if we can get more members from events like this, then that would be great.” The trust, which is totally reliant on donations and support, looks after nine North American and European breed wolves and has just started a student exchange with the Balkani Wildlife Societies large carnivore education centre in Bulgaria, which it is keen to develop.

Image: Pups: Mosi, Mai and Torak

Location: ENGLAND - Stroud, Gloucestershire
Event: Natural Leader Consultation benefits South Cotswold RSPCA
Hosted by: Jennie Rudd, Dog Listener

In celebration of World Animal Day I have donated a percentage of the money made from a dog behaviour consultation on Saturday 4th October to the South Cotswold RSPCA. Astonishingly the branch hasn’t got a shelter! The staff and volunteers are therefore working extremely hard to raise funds to build one, so they no longer have to place their homeless animals in boarding facilities. Whilst raising money for the South Cotswold RSPCA, I’ll also be helping a Jack Russell Terrier get over her aggression problems, making life much easier and stress-free for her owners and brother (Lakeland Terrier). For more information please call me on 07900 361365 or send an email to jennie@naturalleader.co.uk Website: www.naturalleader.co.uk

Location: IRELAND - Dublin
Event: Rally calling for Government to Take Tougher Stance on Animal Abuse
Hosted by: ARAN (Animal Rights Action Network)

In the largest planned rally against cruelty to animals in Ireland, hundreds of animal lovers from across the nation converged on Dublin’s O’Connell Street on Sunday (Sunday 5th October), calling for tougher animal cruelty laws in the animal welfare bill that the Irish Government is releasing later this year.

Dressed in animal costumes, members of Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN) led the rally down O’Connell Street accompanied by a huge banner emblazoned with the words, ‘Cruelty to animals must stop. FULL STOP.’ The rally

The peaceful rally, supported by other leading animal protection groups in Ireland, such as Irish Anti-Vivisection Society, Irish Council Against Bloodsports, Compassion in World Farming and the ISPCA, called on the government to enact proper legislation that will outlaw cruel activities such as fur farming, using animals in circuses, fox hunting, stag hunting, puppy farming and primate experimentation. Many of these acts of cruelty have been banned or restricted in several EU countries, but are still legal in Ireland. The rally finished at Mont Clare Hotel where attendees gathered inside to hear speeches from campaigners, including riveting accounts from two who documented this year’s barbaric Canadian seal hunt.

“There’s absolutely no end to the suffering of animals taking place in Ireland today”, said Stephan Wymore, rally organizer for ARAN.  “Much of this continues because the Irish government simply doesn’t make this issue a priority. We hope the government will do its part by enacting strong legislation to protect those who can’t speak for themselves and respect the wishes of the vast majority of Irish public who want to see an end to animal abuse.” John Carmody.

Location: ENGLAND - Kent
Event: Release of Hand-raised Fox Cubs
Hosted by: The Fox Project

To mark World Animal Day, we released our last group of 2008's hand raised fox cubs.  Due to closure or change of priorities by four associated wildlife groups in our catchment area, we received a record 223 cubs this year for rehabilitation, plus another 300 adult foxes so far.  Our hope is that the increased financial pressure does not reduce our ability to achieve the same benefits to wildlife in 2009. Trevor Williams, Director, The Fox Project, The Lodge, Kings Toll Road, Pembury, Kent TN2 4BE.  01892 824111.  www.foxproject.org.uk 

Location: ENGLAND - Colchester, Essex
Event: Get Involved Activity Day
Hosted by: Colchester Zoo

Our objective was to support and promote World Animal Day and to provide our visitors with a more detailed insight into the importance of enrichment as a part of animal husbandry at Colchester Zoo. As a secondary objective, to raise money for the zoo.

The zoo was open to the public as usual with standard admission rates which included ten extra talks and demonstrations. There were enrichment workshops that visitors could pre-book to take part in: pet and reptile care workshops, Elephant and Sealion training sessions, training show in the Wild about Animals Theatre, Meet the Keeper Question and Answer Time. There was also an enrichment stall in the Chimp House between 11.00 and 4.00pm.
Image: Children enriching the Sea Lion enclosure.

The event generally went very well with a lot of people clearly really enjoying the extra activities that were put on. Unfortunately, the heavy rain let us down badly and this was reflected in the overall attendance for this year. As the day went on, the other events that were being held were so well attended that it seemed that the majority of people were there purely for the World Animal Day events. The talk on how to be a keeper was attended by over 70 people and the animal training session by over 130 people. The workshops were very well attended with 59 out of 60 places being taken this year, which is much better than in previous years. This shows that the attendance of the event and the interest in it grows every year.

By far the biggest highlight of the day for the children involved in the enrichment workshops was to go into the enclosures – especially with the big cats and Hunting dogs. The children were clearly beside themselves that they should be standing in the middle of the lion enclosure!

When the afternoon sessions were over, they all met at the Kalahari Centre for the presentation. Everyone seemed really pleased with their plaques and were full of compliments about the event and thanked us for a great day. Natalie Cullen, Communications and Development Executive, Colchester Zoo, Colchester, Essex CO3 OSL. Website: www.colchester-zoo.co.uk

Location: ENGLAND - East Midlands
Event: Cake Stall
Hosted by: Dmitri Carers

My friend and I (Wendy Harrison & Julie Skelly - together Dmitri Carers) had a cake stall in the office at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP East Midlands and raised £160. £80 of which was donated to WSPA and £80 to International Animal Rescue. Kind regards, Julie Skelly

Location: ENGLAND - Poole, Dorset
Event: Collection for Dorset Wildlife Rescue
Hosted by: Phillip Anderton

Location: ENGLAND - Manchester
Event: Free Rabbit Health Care Clinic
Hosted by: RSPCA Manchester & Salford

RSPCA Manchester & Salford offered free health checks and free microchipping worth £30 to Salford rabbit owners on Saturday 4th October to mark World Animal Day.

61 rabbits hopped along to Rainbow Community Centre in Eccles to receive a free bunny M.O.T. by rabbit specialist vets from Ashleigh Vets in Chorlton. Once the rabbits were health checked pet owners were then offered care advice tailored to the needs of the individual pet. Organiser Susie Hughes says, “It was fantastic to see so many rabbit lovers in attendance. People were really interested to learn about 21st century rabbit care to optimise their pet’s health.” The most common advice given was related to dental care and diet. Susie says, “A rabbit’s diet should ideally mimic that of a wild rabbit, with emphasis on a hay/grass based diet topped up with leafy green vegetables.”

Pet owners appeared to highly value the service as over £100 was received in donations on the day. This money will go towards the £900 it cost to stage the event, which the Manchester & Salford branch hope to repeat next year if the necessary funds can be raised. Susie says, “We are delighted with the response we received on the day and we are indebted to the Advertiser for helping us promote the event and help improve rabbit welfare for the 3rd most popular pet, and 1st most neglected pet, in Britain.” Susie Hughes.

Location: ENGLAND - Northampton
Event: Information Stall
Hosted by: Dave Smailes & Angela Atkins - Naturewatch Supporters

Dave Smailes and Angela Atkins set up an information stall in Northampton's Abington Street to mark World Animal Day. Dave is a long-term and dedicated campaigner for animal rights and filled the stall with literature highlighting all forms of animal abuse and exploitation. We decorated the stall with World Animal Day balloons and asked people to write their pledges 'to do one thing for animals'.

Despite it being a very cold and gloomy day, our display attracted lots of interest and gave us a chance to talk to people about animal welfare. We had major assistance in the form of our canine ambassadors - Dave's rescued dogs Buddy and Ben.

I have been encouraged by my first attempt to do something positive to mark World Animal Day and have already got some ideas for next year! Kind regards, Angela Atkins.

Location: ENGLAND - London
Event: Worldwide Peaceful Rally for the Street Dogs of Turkey

Images taken at London Rally:
http://picasaweb.google.com/turkeyhell/WorldRallyForTurkishStraysLondon#

Location: ENGLAND - Bradford
Event: School Activity Lunch
Hosted by: Hanson School

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff and students for their help and support with World Animal Day. We managed to raise £31 which is a magnificent sum considering it was only held over just one lunch time.  The most popular competition was ‘match the member of staff to their pet’ and the books stall was kept busy.  I also had a lovely donation from a young man in Year 7 which was really pleasing.

World Animal Day was started in 1931 at a convention of ecologists in Florence as a way of highlighting the plight of endangered species. Since then it has grown to encompass all kinds of animal life and is widely celebrated in countries throughout the world. October 4 was chosen as World Animal Day as it is the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
This is the first time that Hanson has run such an event to support this day but judging from the number of students who were keen to be involved I think it is something that we would consider doing again.

Again many thanks, especially to my team of helpers, you know who you are and you are very much appreciated. Sue May, Exam Officer, Hanson School.

Location: ENGLAND - Wantage, Oxfordshire
Event: Animal Blessing Service
Hosted by: Catholic Church of St John Vianney

Despite the very wet and windy weather, dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens and a rescued donkey packed into the church of St John Vianney on Sunday 5th October for the annual Animal Blessing Service.

The simple ecumenical service which has now become a regular event in the Wantage Church calender, was led by the Parish Priest Canon Peter Turbitt and the address was given by the Reverend Jennifer Brown from Oxford.

During the service to give thanks for the animals and creatures who share our world, each animal received an individual blessing from the two priests. Led by Pollyanna the rescued donkey from the Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary at Brightwell cum Sotwell (Near Wallingford) the animals and their well behaved human companions all met up afterwards for tea, carrots and dog biscuits in the church hall and to share their animal stories.

Said Canon Peter Turbitt after the service, “It is wonderful to see so many people here today with their animals - people of all ages - showing that they care for the created and the creatures who share our planet." A retiring collection was made for the work of the Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary. Wanda Oberman.

IMAGE GALLERY
Selected additional images of events that took place in the UK & Ireland in 2008