Location: MAURITANIA - Sebkha
Event: Celebrating with the Association Mauritanienne des Handicaps de l’Audition et de l’Elocution
Hosted by: SPANA Mauritania

SPANA has had a project in Mauritania now for several years.  Its mission there is to protect animals and conserve nature.  This year World Animal Day was celebrated in partnership with a home for deaf people (AMHAE- Association Mauritanienne des Handicaps de l’Audition et de l’Elocution) from a place called Sebkha.  The home was a project set up by Mme Woodi Bemba Bå , a Dutch lady working for an NGO, and had recently been opened in March 2009.

The SPANA delegation, who visited the home on Monday 5th October 2009, was welcomed at 9.00am by the house spokesperson Mme Diakité, and seven of the home’s inmates. After the opening ceremony, Mme Diakité and her entourage gave a tour of the home to show the SPANA delegation how it has been organised.  Each of the eight rooms visited by SPANA had put on a special display by the inmates, most of whom are teenagers who had attended a special school in Nouakchott.  Since leaving the school, they have been trained in specific skills that will help them in later life.  Amongst the teenagers, all types of trade are represented. There are carpenters, builders, mechanics, house painters, tailors, bakers, barbers, fishermen and brick makers.

After the tour, SPANA gave a presentation on its work with animals, but more specifically on the harness worn by working donkeys in Mauritania.  The simple harness is made locally and SPANA hopes that some of the inmates of the home may add harness-making to the list of other skills acquired. 

The teenagers express themselves well through sign language and, with the help of their teacher, by the end of SPANA’s visit, were able to identify a good harness amongst other poor examples. The SPANA team congratulated them for being such fast learners and then reminded them of our duty to animals, to give them good care and to treat them kindly.  They also asked them to commemorate World Animal Day next year at the beginning of October. 

Then at 11.00am a reciprocal visit was made by the inmates of the home to the SPANA refuge. Again, a general tour took place so the teenagers could see the animals being treated.  They visited the classroom, the consulting room and the row of stables.  They agreed that the animal’s accommodation wasn’t quite up to the same standard as their own … but were impressed by how clean and tidy it was none-the-less.  At 1.00 pm it was time to go home and the two delegations parted company having promised to arrange similar outings to celebrate World Animal Day in the years to come.   Kindly translated by Diana Hulme, Education Director, SPANA

Location: GHANA - Volta Region, Accra
Event: Animal Welfare Messages via Churches & Schools / Radio Talk Show / Seminar x 2 / Annual General Meeting
Hosted by: Society for the Welfare of Animals - Ghana (SWAGH)

Celebrations began in the Nkwanta District on 3rd October, 2009. On this day, the SWAGH team visited the SDA church in Nkwanta Town where the team shared SWAGH's 'Animal Welfare Message' with the congregation (click here to message pdf). The Nkwanta District team continued the celebration on 4th October by sending the Animal Welfare Message to Churches in Nkwanta. The team then visited schools in Nkwanta from Monday 5th to Friday 9th October to deliver its Animal Welfare Message (click here to read message pdf).

Celebrations began in Accra on 12th of October when SWAGH members countrywide attended a programme launch. On 13th October, the SWAGH team visited a radio station to participate in a talk show on Animal Welfare and Rights in Ghana.

On the 14th and 15th of October, SWAGH organised a seminar to which 6 experts came to teach 15 volunteers and 5 employees of SWAGH about various topics related to Animal Welfare. One of the lectures was given by a representative of the Wildlife Division of the Forest Commission of Ghana. Also on the 15th, an event was organized to raise funds to help pay for the SWAGH office.

On the 18th of October, SWAGH members attended SWAGH’s Annual General Meeting during which World Animal Day celebrations were discussed (click here to read speech by CEO). On 19th of October, the Accra SWAGH team visited the Roman Catholic Basic School in Dodowa to teach students and teachers about animal welfare issues. This was repeated on the 21st of October when the Accra SWAGH team visited New Town D/A Basic schools in Ghana.

On the 22nd of October, celebrations were brought to a close by the Accra SWAGH team visiting the Zoology Department of University of Ghana, Legon, where they met with members of the Zoology Association and shared with them what SWAGH and Animal Welfare/Rights are about (click here to read presentation). Ujakpa Martin Mabeifam, Chief Executive Officer, SWAGH $ Ghana’s Ambassador to WAD.

Location: MOROCCO - Al Hoceima
Event: Operation Delphis
Hosted by: Association de Gestion Integrée des Ressources (Association AGIR)

I have great pleasure in informing you about the activities we dedicated to World Animal Day that were supported by many animal-related organisations and individuals.  About 40 fishermen and several scientists were invited to survey the cetacean's community Dolphins species - not less than two hundred and sixty dolphins on a surface of 280 Km² were observed. The operation Delphis 2009 in Al Hoceima was the subject of intense media coverage.

- The formation and symposium made it possible to sensitize the administrations, associations, the co-operatives of fishermen;
- Three streamers were installed in the city and with the port;
- Preparation of an exposure on the marine mammals realized by the clubs of the environment of several schools of the area.

We did not expect these results, which prove the effectiveness of the protocol “the distribution of the boats into small juxtaposed rectangle." It is important to stress that starting from a preliminary analysis, one can confirm the presence of three dolphin species in the neighbourhoods of the Al Hoceima Bay and the Al-Hoceima National park, and they are: Common Dolphin, Striped Dolphin and Tursiops Truncatus. For more information about this project please click on the following link: http://www.agir.cfsites.org
http://agir.cfsites.org/files/delphis_al_hoceima_2009.pdf

NIBANI Houssine, Président AGIR

Location: TANZANIA - Islands of Zanzibar
Event: Donkey Competition/Animal Welfare Quiz/Painting Competition/Student Debate/March/Rabies Clinics/2 workshops
Hosted by: ZSPCA - World Animal Day Ambassador, Islands of Zanzibar, Tanzania

Long term Objective of World Animal Day and World Rabies Day:

To invite existing supporters and members of the public, who are truly interested in our daily work, to attend the event and to offer our new visitors the chance to become supporters of the society's projects and to gain local media coverage highlighting WAD, WRD and our daily work.

The activities we carried out:

Donkey welfare competition - the main objective of the competition was to encourage donkey owners to handle their donkey humanely at all times and improve welfare standards by providing adequate rest, veterinary care and sufficient food. To end cruelty towards donkeys such as being beaten when working, being overloaded and forced to carry too much weight. The participants of this competition were all donkey keepers from four areas namely Kinazini, Amani, Mwembe Makumbi and Mtopepo.

Improving Donkey Utilization and Management Workshop - the participants of this workshop were 40 in number and selected from four different areas namely Kinazini, Amani, Mwembe Makumbi and Mtopepo. The workshop lasted for four days during which the participants were taught the skills necessary for the effective and sustainable management of donkeys, raised their awareness about the welfare of working animals based on existing legal mechanisms. The workshop will ensure members of the local community, who are responsible for the welfare of working animals, treat them humanely when they are working and provide essential needs (food, water, shelter, and treatment). The first three days were spent in the classroom and the fourth day was a practical day involving the donkeys belonging to the participants and other donkeys from the area when treatments were provided for donkeys suffering from wounds and ticks. Our objectives were met and the workshop participants have continued to maintain the improved standards of welfare. The workshop was generously sponsored by The Donkey Sanctuary,UK, and Jamie Sickle of K-9 Global,USA, and we are very grateful for their support. Following this workshop, our society now has a good relationship with donkey keepers and they are ready to work with us to improve donkey welfare in Zanzibar. The workshop has successfully achieved our aim of putting in place a framework for improving the status of donkeys in Zanzibar.

Zanzibar Animals Welfare Short answer questions competition - the participants for this competition were come from 2 primary schools and 2 secondary schools. The participants were required to understand the meaning and memorize 60 short questions with its answers which are directly focused on animal welfare issue. During the competition five participants from each school required to select six (6) question from 60 question while are roughed mixed together. The schools which are answering more correct answer were the winner. The winner was Kibele School. The main objective of this competition was to give chance students to become familiar with world and terms related to animals, their welfare and the environment as a whole. (Sponsored by: Jamie Sickle of K-9 Global – USA).

Zanzibar Animal Welfare Painting competition - participants were from 2 primary schools and 2 secondary schools and enabled students to express their views, and understanding of animal welfare issues through painting. (Sponsored by: Jamie Sickle of K-9 Global – USA).

Zanzibar Animal Welfare Debate competition - participants were from 2 secondary schools and the competition gave students the opportunity to express their views through debating. The topic for this debate was "It's important to protect animals from cruelty” Unguja Ukuu Secondary School oppose the motion and Kibele Secondary School support the motion. (Sponsored by: Jamie Sickle of K-9 Global – USA).

March for the animals - this event was held on the “BIG DAY”, 4th October 2009. The march started at Kisonge Ground and went via Michenzani Road, Kisiwandui, Mkunazini road, Haile Selassie, and ended at Mnazi Mmoja Ground after passing in front of our Guest of Honor, the Regional Commissioner of the Urban West Region who was introducedc by the District Commissioner, Hon. Abdu Mahmoud. The March helped to raise public awareness of the importance of celebrating World Animal Day and World Rabies Day. (Sponsored by: The Donkey Sanctuary - UK, Jamie Sickle of K-9 Global – USA, and WSPA Africa).

World Rabies Day was celebrated by running a Rabies vaccination clinic (especially for dogs and cats) on 28th September 2009. Care guides for different animals were distributed at this event as well as rabies leaflets explaining why it's so important to vaccinate. We vaccinated 342 dogs and 3 cats. The animals were also de-wormed. (Sponsored by: WSPA – Africa and Jamie Sickle of K-9 Global – USA).

Free Rural Animal Health Clinics: This clinic was carried out as a part of our celebration of World Animal Day and took place on 18th October at Ndijani Village, South Region of Unguja Island in Central District. The clinic dealt with all types of animals and all diseases found were treated. The main objective of this clinic was to provide necessary assistance to animals owned by poor rural communities and to educate people on the need to care for the health of their animals. To decrease cruelty to companion and farm animals through the practical activities and guidelines provided during the clinic. We treated 1,119 animals of various species. Everyone had the opportunity to: ask questions about animal welfare issues and to be shown how to handle their animals humanely. ZSPCA had the chance to spread knowledge of humane education to local communities attending the clinics. (Sponsored by: WSPA – Africa and Jamie Sickle of K-9 Global – USA). Ali Abdalla Juma, ZSPCA.

Location: SEYCHELLES
Event: Opening Event/Poetry & Photographic Competition/Sterilization Clinic/Street Collection/Animal Blessing Services/Launch of School Kindness Clubs/Animal-related TV & Radio Programmes/Cocktail Party & Auction
Hosted by: Seychelles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

World Animal Week was officially launched on Friday 2nd October at 10 am by the Vice-President of Seychelles, Mr Joseph Belmont.  In his opening speech, he emphasized the need to build a nation where all animals are looked after properly in their communities, and owners are better educated on how to care for them. This was followed by a song, especially composed for and dedicated to the animals, and sung by a well-known local singer. After that a 'sketch’ outlining the Five Freedoms, and performed by pupils and parents. Throughout the event, entries for our Poetry Competition and Photographic Competition were on display – the central theme being Animals.  Prizes for the various categories were presented. We also lauched a booklet to mark World Animal Day entitled 'Easy Guide to Dog Training', the first of its kind in Seychelles. Image: Winners of poetry and photographic competitions receive their prizes.

On Saturday 3rd October, the SSPCA, in collaboration with the Veterinary Services, organized a Sterilization Clinic during which 73 cats and dogs were neutered.  Owners of the animals were given leaflets and brochures on Animal Welfare, and a charity stall on site also raised funds for the Society. Members of a youth group organised a street collection in the capital, Victoria.

On Sunday 4th October, a number of Churches raised animal welfare through their            dedicated sermons. In some Churches the collection was donated to the SSPCA. 

Wednesday 7th October saw the launching of "Kindness Clubs" in three of the schools on the main island of Mahe. Others will follow during the course of the year. 

During the week, a number of representatives from various denominations were interviewed on the local TV and Radio, regarding animals and the important role they play in their beliefs.  Various other animal-related programmes, including a quiz, were also broadcast. 

The closing ceremony on Friday 9th October took the form of a cocktail party, during which various donated items, including paintings, sculptures and jewellery were auctioned.  All funds raised were for the SSPCA.  Mr Kevin Degenhard, from the RSPCA, was introduced and welcomed at this event.  He spent the next few weeks undertaking training courses with the SSPCA Staff and Members on various aspects of animal welfare.  

To raise awareness, the Opening Ceremony, the launch of Kindness Clubs, as well as the Closing Ceremony, were all covered by the SBC (TV), as well as by various newspapers.

Location: ZIMBABWE - Harare
Event: Woodland Dog Walk / Dog-Dipping / Animal Care Talk / Drama & Dance
Hosted by: Mukuvisi Woodland / ZNSPCA

The Mukuvisi Woodland in Harare was host to the ZNSPCA and more than 200 excited schoolchildren on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd October 2009.  The proceedings were opened with special prayers for animals.

Entertainment was provided by the Ingonyama Dance Troupe from Hwange who performed traditional dances and wild animal impersonations. Children recited poems and were given information on how to look after their pets.  Birdlife representatives spoke about caring for the environment so that wild birds could continue to play one of their roles in the dispersal of seeds. A quiz with prizes of school stationery got the children really thinking!

The next day there was free dipping of dogs and a walk in the Woodland.

Plans are underway for a nation-wide World Animal Day competition for schools in 2010, and this was launched by the Minister of Education, Sport, Arts & Culture on Monday 12th October 2009. Information supplied by Simon Pitt, Chairman, The Mukuvisi Woodland, Harare. Image: The Ingonyama Dance Troupe from Hwange performing an impersonation of an elephant.

Location: TANZANIA - Dar es Salaam
Event: Free Veterinary Treatment Day
Hosted by: Dar Animal Haven

This year’s World Animal Day Rabies Vaccination, Worming and Sterlisation Event organised by Dar Animal Haven was a success. The number of dogs vaccinated and/or sterilized was higher than the previous two years’ camps at the same locations. It was pleasing to see clients coming back for the second or third year, which means that people are now more willing to have their dogs vaccinated against rabies each year.
Image: Waiting for rabies vaccination and worming.

In total, 132 dogs and one cat were brought for treatment.
Of these, 122 dogs and one cat were vaccinated against rabies and given Intermectin worming treatment (10 puppies were too young for treatment).
19 dogs (11 male, 8 female) were brought to veterinarians for sterilisation. 
Owners were provided with printed information and on site veterinary advice on the care of their dogs.

Some dogs received minor veterinary treatment, for example, for eye infections and wounds. In addition, of the 19 dogs brought for sterilization, further treatment was provided as one male was found to have testicular cancer and one female had venereal disease. Two dogs received veterinary treatment for serious mange, one of those dogs had been sterilized at a prior year’s treatment day. Two dogs were treated for tick fever. One dog received veterinary treatment for food poisoning. One dog was euthanased due to his old age resulting in his having few teeth so he couldn’t eat easily, he also had venereal disease. 

This success could not have been achieved without the active help of the supporters of Dar Animal Haven for this event: Kinondoni Municipal Council, veterinarians Dr Sinare, Dr Damas, Dr Kowero, Dr Matafu and Luisa di Gaspero. The veterinarians also boarded the dogs that were sterilised, as the dogs could not be returned until their stitches had been removed. Dar Animal Haven Volunteers were: Daniel Kalembo, Benson, Ania Rulinksa, Collette Fedsted, Claire Larkin, Norah Baker, Silvia Rief, Brenda St George and Sonja Tiscenko.

Location: MOROCCO
Event: Open Days Countrywide
Hosted by: SPANA Morocco

A l’occasion de la Journée Mondiale des Animaux célébrée le 4 octobre de chaque année, les centres de la SPANA et le CNEE de Sidi Boughaba ont organisé des journées Portes Ouvertes. Des présentations ont été effectuées sur les activités et les objectifs de la SPANA, la sensibilisation à la protection animale ; des conseils ont également été donnés sur la manière d’approcher, d’entretenir et de soigner les animaux.

Ainsi, ce sont plus de 700 personnes (élèves et écoliers, enseignants, directeurs d’établissement éducateurs, parents, public) qui ont visité les neuf centres de la SPANA au cours de cette journée.
Les enfants ont montré un intérêt particulier et beaucoup de curiosité vis-à-vis des animaux. De nombreuses questions ont ainsi été posées sur les raisons de la présence des animaux dans les refuges, leur mode d’alimentation, leur longévité… Les vétérinaires et le personnel des centres ont fourni toutes les explications nécessaires pour enrichir leur connaissances sur le monde animalier en espérant leur avoir donné l’envie d’aimer les animaux et pourquoi pas, d’en adopter. Des promenades à dos d’âne, des concours de dessin et des goûters collectifs ont également été organisés, au grand bonheur des enfants. A la fin de la journée, des histoires sur les animaux et les différentes publications de la SPANA ont été distribués.

Le Centre National d’Education Environnementale (CNEE) a également organisé le samedi 3 octobre, en partenariat avec les autorités locales de Sidi Taïbi une journée d’information et de sensibilisation. A cette occasion, la clinique mobile du centre de Rabat s’est déplacée au souk de Sidi Taïbi, où toute l’équipe de la SPANA de Sidi Boughaba a été mobilisée ainsi que les autorités locales.
Au cours de cette journée, 64 chevaux ont été soignés, 10 mors ont été remplacés et 20 entraves ont été distribués. Des dépliants et brochures ont été également, distribués aux enfants et adultes.

IN ENGLISH (kindly translated by Diana Hulme, Education Director, SPANA)

World Animal Day 2009 - Morocco
On the occasion of World Animal Day, celebrated on 4th October each year, SPANA opened the doors of its nine veterinary and environmental centres and invited members of the general public inside to see the wonderful work SPANA is doing for the animals of Morocco.  More than 700 people – school children, teachers, educationalists and parents - took advantage of the invitation. 
The school children were particularly curious about the animals being treated in SPANA’s refuges.  They posed numerous questions … Why were the animals there?  What do they eat? How long do they live?  … etc. SPANA’S vets and animal technicians were kept busy supplying all the answers, telling stories and generally enriching the children’s knowledge and understanding about the animal kingdom.  Some children rode on donkeys, some took part in a drawing competition, there were drinks and snacks and everyone enjoyed themselves.  At the end of the day, animal stories, leaflets and brochures published by SPANA were distributed for the children to take home.
A similar celebration was organized at the National Centre for Environmental Education on Saturday 3rd October in partnership with the local authorities of Sidi Taïbi.  On this occasion, one of SPANA’s mobile veterinary clinics together with a team of veterinary and educational staff, arrived at the souk and the team gave presentations and demonstrations to anyone who was interested.  During the course of the day, 64 equines were treated, 10 bits were replaced and 20 hobbles were distributed.  Stories and leaflets were also distributed to both children and adults.

Location: NIGERIA - Lagos
Event: Dog Show and Fun Day for All
Hosted by: Ruvela / Dog's World Magazine

For World Animal Day, Ruvela Nigeria and Dog's World Magazine (Rosiji Foundation) co-sponsored a Dog Show and Fun Day with a large selection of activities and entertainment to interest people of all ages including: Pet Red Carpet Show, Dog Show, Animal Parade, Musical Clown Perforance, Macho Display, Powerbike Display, Fashion Parade and a Talk on Animals.

Although we started with a few delays, the event organised at Dahunsi Memorial School in Ikoyi, Lagos, was very well attended.  People came from as far away as Port Harcourt to enter their dogs. The weather was great and, apart from the dogs, the crowd also enjoyed the company of an Ostrich and a Python.  The highlight of the day was guard dog displays by The Dog Whispers, dog training school, and a cute novelty display by a little crossbreed that thrilled the crowd. Steve Omaoarukhe, World Animal Day Ambassador & Bomi Rosiji, Dog's World Magazine, Rosiji Foundation.

Location: BOTSWANA - Kasane/Chobe, Northern Botswana
Event: World Animal Day Music Festival and Fundraising Event
Hosted by: Kasane SPCA

In celebration of World Animal Day, the Kasane SPCA held the first Music Festival in Kasane's history! It was held at Chobe River College on Saturday 3rd October.

The SPCA has an ongoing campaign to neuter cats and dogs in the district and also to help any sick, neglected or nuisance domestic animals. With funds being desperately low, we decided it was time to take a proactive approach and hold a fundraising event. The day started off with clouds in the sky which was a great concern since the celebrations were planned to take place outside on the school’s sportsfields. However, the weather held which was a great relief to the organizers!

In recognition of World Animal Day support was received from various exhibitors and organizations. Stands were set up by: “Elephants Without Borders”, “Birdlife Botswana”, “Caracal”, “The Snake Park”, “The Fair Lady Day Care Center”,”Mario’s Meat Market”, “The Art Gallery”. Also, there were stalls selling pottery, beading, drawings and plant cuttings.

Life Music was provided by the “Bojang” Band from Kasane who got us in the swing! Things really heated up when Robert Koch and his Band handed out 120 drums. This drumming session had to be seen to be believed. It was fantastic!

After that an auction was held which raised more than half of the much needed funds. A BIG thank you to Brett MacDonald from “Flame of Africa and Zambezi Queen” who sponsored a 3-night houseboat trip at Lake Kariba, Jonathan Gibson who sponsored an overnight stay at “Chobe Game Lodge”, Rex Kelly who gave a 3-hour ride on the Munitenge, the 50-seater flag ship of “Chobezi” and Chris Anagnostellis for providing an overnight stay at “Elephant Valley Lodge”.

A BIG thank you to the SPCA Board Members for their tremendous effort in ensuring the festival became a reality and for making it such a huge success. “This would not have been possible without you and I could not wish for a better Team! The Festival was such a great success and we had such great fun that we are actually thinking of making this an annual Event.” says Bettina Kelly the Organizer and Chairperson of the SPCA Kasane.

The SPCA Kasane would also like to thank the School and its Teachers, as well as the local community and people who came from as far afield as Pandamatenga, Livingstone and Victoria Falls for supporting the Open Day and Festival. Another BIG thank you goes to: the “Ngami Times” for their constant support in sponsoring our adverts, Ashtemple the Band that came all the way from Gaborone to support us. GUYS YOU ROCK!!!!! If you would like to support the SPCA, or if you have any suggestions or enquiries or if you are not a memberyet, please phone Esther on 74061120 or email bettina@caterplus.co.bw

Location: EGYPT - Cairo
Event: Children's Awareness Event at SPARE's animal shelter + Film Show
Hosted by: AWARE & SPARE

SPARE and AWARE decided to collaborate in celebrating World Animal Day. Our first event was held at SPARE''s animal shelter where we conducted several activities with about 40 children from the local community, most of whom are under the poverty line and don't attend school on a regular basis. We began by asking the children to give some of SPARE's donkeys some carrots and then welcomed them inside to where we had set up a table of party food. The children where then asked to sit to participate in a series of multiple choice questions. Every child giving the correct answer was given a present of his/her choice. Later on, we brought in a newly arrived shelter resident, a cute beige puppy. We told the children the story of the puppy and why did she end up at SPARE, then eventually we asked the children to carry the puppy and taught them the correct way to handle the puppy.The second part of celebration was held at the sakia cultural center located in down town egypt. Its one of the most famous educational and cultural center in egypt. We were able to reserve a hall to screen the epic documentary "EARTHLINGS" for the first time in egypt. The attendees were truly touched by the documentary and wanted us to show it one more time, and asked  to translate it into arabic. I have attached some pictures below. It was truly a memorable day. Ahmed Diab, President, Animal Welfare Association for Research and Education (AWARE)

Location: ETHIOPIA - Addis Ababa
Event: Addis Ababa Celebrates World Animal Day
Hosted by: SAW / The Brooke / SPANA / Donkey Sanctuary

Celebration of WAD was jointly celebrated on 5th October by four animal welfare charities working in the country - Society of Animal Welfare (SAW), The Brooke, SPANA and Donkey Sanctuary. The event, held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development compound, was an opportunity to express the solidarity of the organisations and their commitment to advancing welfare standards in Ethiopia.

A colourful parade was made by Animal Kindness (AK) students of SPANA-Ethiopia carrying banners and they wore T-shirts especially prepared for the occasion. The children sang two songs about the need for improving the welfare of animals. Many photographs were taken during the celebrations. Representatives of the four organisations gave talks to the group which included employees of the Ministry. SPANA-Ethiopia and The Donkey Sanctuary representatives distributed brochures and calendars including information about World Animal Day, the five animal freedoms and the work of each organisation in Ethiopia.

World Animal Day 2009 was really a great success. It was a meaningful day for showing unity and advocating changes on animal welfare and environmental protection in Ethiopia. Everyone agreed to help make next year's WAD celebration even bigger and better! Tekelye Bekele, SAW, and SPANA.  

Location: ETHIOPIA
Event: School Awareness Event
Hosted by: SPANA

SPANA organised a celebration of WAD on 7th October in Debre Brehan Atse Zera Yacob primary school where approximately 700 schoolchildren attended the programme. Almost all the teachers also participated. We invited the head of the North Shoa Zone Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MoARD), named Dr Demeke Atlaw to open the event.  He made a very good speech and he asked for the continuity of the celebration and promised to participate by organizing and helping us promote animal welfare. We showed him the newly constructed centre and facilities available for the programme. After the opening speech by Dr Demeke Atlaw, Dr Nigatu Aklilu spoke about importance of World Animal Day and SPANA. This was followed by a presentation by Ato Abesaw Zerfu about SPANA's Children's Education Programme. The Deputy Director of the school, Ato Shito, also gave a speech. Following the speeches: certificates were given to selected school children who attended and completed SPANA's Education Programme during the past academic year; prize ceremony for the winners of our animal welfare poem and drawing competition. At the end we took photographs of all the students wearing their WAD T-Shirts.

Location: ETHIOPIA
Events: Children's Awareness Event
Hosted by: SPANA

SPANA organised another celebration of WAD on 8th October in Debre Zeit primary school with about 500 school children and their teachers. Animal Welfare Club members from the faculty also participated on the event. We were delighted that Oromo TV chose to record this event and broadcasted it on the same day! The programme format was similar to WAD awareness events held at other schools. A speech was made by Ato Dagne, one of the teachers who works on the SPANA Children's Education Programme. Dr Nigatu Aklilu talked about the importance of WAD and SPANA and Ato Abebaw Zerfu explained about SPANA's school children programme. The speeches were followed by: animal-related songs sung by the school choir; prize ceremony for the winners of our animal welfare poem and drawings competition; photogaphs were taken of the children wearing their WAD T-shirts. At the end of the event we participated in an interview with TV Oromia.

Location: ETHIOPIA
Events: Children's Awareness Event
Hosted by: SPANA

On 9th October, SPANA organised another Children's Awareness Event in celebration of World Animal Day. This time it was held at Akaki primary school with about 1,500 school children and their teachers. This event was structured the same as the other Awareness Events organised by SPANA. The opening speech was made by one of the School Directors, Ato Sahelu followed by a general description of WAD and the activities of SPANA by Dr Nigatu Aklilu. An explanation about SPANA's programme for schoolchildren was given by Ato Abebaw Zerfu. The speeches were followed by a prize ceremony for the winners of our animal welfare poem and drawing competition. The competition winners presented their poems and pictures and interested teachers also presented the poems they'd written. A phototgraph was taken of all the students wearing their WAD T-Shirts.

Location: MAURITIUS
Events: Several Events including mass sterilization of rescued stray animals
Hosted by: Protection of Animals Welfare Society (PAWS)

PAWS organised many events throughout the week in celebration of World Animal Day 2009 culminated in an official Closing Ceremony of our 7th World Animal Week. During this week, we successfully sterilised 250 dogs and cats (more than previously planned), treated more than 275 animals, rescued abandoned puppies and kittens, and educated over 350 adults and children.  Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors we were able to offer free services all week long: The Ministry of Tourism & Leisure; Mauipharm; Ceres; IBL; Pedigree; Peace Angel; Foreplay; One Eye; KFC; Pizza Hut; Debonairs; La Vanille Crocodile Park; The Aquarium, and Book Court! Our thanks also goes to the media for their wonderful support; publicity from all local Newspapers, Radio Stations and TV. PAWS had a wonderful Closing Ceremony at the Municipality of Quatre Bornes on Saturday 10 October in the presence of Mr Idriss Sakabuth (Mayor of Quatre Bornes) and Mr Robert Pallamy (Director of the Tourism Authority). We organised educational games and competitions and distributed a wide variety of lovely prizes to reward the winners! Roxanne Marin, PAWS and World Animal Day Ambassador, Mauritius.

Location: SOUTH AFRICA - Vorna Valley, Midrand, Gauteng
Event: Fun Run/Walk/Walk the Dogs
Hosted by: The Society for Animals in Distress

Our Fun Run/Walk/Walk the dogs, held on World Animal Day on Sunday 4 October was a "howling" success. Not even the overcast weather could dampen everyones spirits. The event took place in the streets around our farm, 'The Paddocks'. We offered a 2.5km and 5km Run/Walk and the first 50 participants in each catergory received a bottle of wine kindly donated by Moreson Wine Estate. The wine label is 'Miss Molly' and is dedicated to the wine makers' own dog.  Each dog received dog treats and the children were treated to a packet of sweets.

MTN kindly sponsored the watering hole for the human entrants and we also had a doggy watering hole! We had dogs of all shapes and sizes, from Yorkshire Terriers to Irish Wolf Hounds. Afterwards, refreshments were on sale and we also sold our promotional items. Much needed funds were raised for providing veterinary care to animals belonging to disadvantaged people living in nine informal settlements in the North and North-East of Johannesburg. As our walkers/runners drifted away, they all wanted to know when the next one was taking place. Many thanks. Kind regards, Bev Richards, Corporate and Media.

Location: SOUTH AFRICA, Montagu, Cape Town
Event: Mutts March
Hosted by: Winelands SPCA

On 24th September, a public holiday in South Africa for Heritage Day, we held our 'Mutts March' which was a great success. 45 cheerful dogs and their just as cheerful owners and family/friends enjoyed a walk through the beautiful Montagu Nature Garden followed by a picnic on the lawns afterwards. Dogs aren't normally allowed in the gardens so it was a very special day for all of us! Sarah Ford, World Animal Day Ambassadors for South Africa / Winelands SPCA.

Location: SOUTH AFRICA, Montagu, Cape Town
Event: Shelter Open Day
Hosted by: Winelands SPCA

On 7th October we held an Open Day at our kennels/clinic. Approximately 30 people visited during the day. We had hoped for a better response from the local old age homes - there's' always next year! Transport is clearly a problem for many of the homes.  However one group of 10 elderly ladies and one gentleman arrived very early and had first dip in the teapot and cookie barrel! We talked about the work of the SPCA and, as the residents of old age homes are no longer about to have pets of their own, it was a great opportunity for them to interact with some of our residents. Sarah Ford, Winelands SPCA / World Animal Day Ambassador, South Africa.

Location: SOUTH AFRICA - Robertson, Western Cape
Event: Fundraising and Educational Event
Hosted by: Winelands SPCA

Winelands SPCA held a fundraising and educational stand, with the support of Animal Voice and Compassion in World Farming, at Robertson Spring Show. This 4-day event is primarily aimed at farmers. We focused specifically on the plight of battery hens in this country. In addition, mini concerts were presented by two local farm schools to a very appreciative audience. The children showed what animals mean in their lives through drama, music and dancing. Sarah Ford, World Animal Day Ambassador, South Africa.

Location: SUDAN
Event: School Lectures / Church & Mosque Lectures / TV & Radio Programmes / Awareness Campaign
Hosted by: Sudanese Animal Care

Our organization is working in very difficult and harsh conditions. Our concepts for developing animal welfare standards are far beyond what can realistically be achieved at present and we have a serious lack of funds to implement our planned programmes. In celebration of World Animal Day 2009, we conducted an extensive programme which inlcuded: raising awareness through lectures in schools, mosques and churches in both urban and rural areas; editorial in local newspapers, TV coverage and Radio progammes; Distribution of leaflets, posters etc.; lobbying for laws and local orders concerning animals and their welfare. We hope our efforts will be appreciated by the government through supporting and facilitating our targets and objectives. Best regards, Mustafa Bakrawi, Sudanese Animal Care and Sudan's World Animal Day Ambassador.

IMAGE GALLERY
Selected additional images of events that took place in Africa in 2009