Location: SERBIA
Event: Drawing Contest / Information Stand / Art Exhibition & Auction / TV Documentary
Hosted by: Society for the Protection of Animals Ljubimci

World Animal Day was fully covered by media (TV , Radio, Newspapers) in the City of Pancevo, and in all relevant national media and TV stations in Serbia.

Organizations and individuals from 10 other cities and towns around Serbia (Novi Sad, Pancevo, Beograd, Zrenjanin, Kragujevac, Nis...) organized different events: exibitions, drawing contests, organization of promotional stalls, signing animal welfare petitions, lectures in schools...

We launched a drawing competition in all preschool institutions in the City of Pancevo with the following topic: ’My Dog’. The competition is open until 1st December 2009 when a committee of judges will select the winning entries. On 15th December the competition winners will be presented with their prizes at the Youth Art Gallery when all the entries will be exhibited.  The winning drawings will be used to produce promotional materials and greeting cards for our humane society and for the City Council.

We also organised an information stand in the city center- where our volunteers distributed promotional leaflets about World Animal Day, our current campaigns, and basic information about animal welfare. On this day we rehomed 20 abandoned puppies, and our volunteers talked to the public about various animal welfare issues. We also collected more than 400 signatures for the "Animals matter to me" global petition.

Ivan Kurajov, WAD Ambassador to Serbia.

Location: BELARUS - Minsk
Event: Adoption Day
Hosted by: EGIDA - Public Association for Animal Protection

Location: ESTONIA
Event: Awareness Events in Tallin and Tartu
Hosted by: ESPA (Estonian Society for the Protection of Animals)

On 4th October we celebrated World Animal Day in Tallin (our capital city) by holding an event jointly organised with the Tallinn Environmental Board. The Kristiine City Government provided the premises on Tulika Street 33C for free for carrying out the event. In cooperation with other non-profit organisations dealing with animals, we presented our “Stories of Animals” exhibition. Visitors looked at photographs and read about the fates of very different animals. Some stories had a happy ending while others did not. Animals that had survived various hardships (cats, dogs, tortoises etc) and their new owners were also present at the exhibition. Stories abouth the most gruesome examples of what people are capable of doing to animals were set up in a separate room along with the so-called pillory – an overview of the Estonian court practise concerning offences against animals. In this room children were not allowed. Additionally ESPA announced the most animal-friendly and animal-hostile acts of the year. Acoording to the official poll, the most animal-friendly act was carried out by a person who saved his dog's life after it was hit by a tractor breaking both its front legs. The man made the decision to meet the high cost of treatment for his beloved dog - with the help of ESPA. The most animal-hostile act was carried out by a hunter who killed two dogs in front of their owner for no reason!

The Estonian Society for the Protection of Animals and the NGO “AUH” organised a World Animal Day Awareness Event in Tartu on October 3rd. From 12.00 to 16.00, representatives of animal welfare organisations manned information stalls in the park between Poe and Küüni streets in Tartu. People learned about their work, received  information material, asked questions and advice, discussed animal welfare related subjects and were invited to support the activities of the organisations.
Evelyn Valtin.

Location: VARIOUS
Events: Roundup of Activities
Hosted by: WSPA

Here is a link to a summary of WSPA activities for World Animal Day written in German [pdf]

Here is another link to World Animal Day activities that took place in Germany [pdf]

Location: SWEDEN
Events: Open Days (number TBC)
Hosted by: Djurskyddet Sverige

To celebrate World Animal Day, the local branches of Djurskyddet Sverige (Animal Welfare Sweden) all over Sweden organised different events in their towns. Many of our local branches have their own cat and dog shelters where they held Open Days to celebrate World Animal Day. For people who were thinking of adopting a cat, it was a good opportunity to visit some of our shelters to take a look at the cats. Many of our local branches also held events such as lotteries and offfered horse-riding while holding stalls to sell home-baked items etcetera. Sara Frick, Information Officer, Djurskyddet Sverige. (Need to add the number of events to main list.)

Location: AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND, LIECHTENSTEIN
Event: Various
Hosted by: Various

Location: DENMARK
Event: Animals Matter
Hosted by: WSPA

Location: GREECE - Island of Corfu
Event: Children's Fundraising March for the Animals / Awareness Bazaar
Hosted by: Corfu ARK

The 4th of October was also the day the national elections took place so not an ideal time to ask for attention to be drawn to animals........... We therefore decided to mark World Animal Day on Saturday 3rd October. Children wearing billboards walked through Corfu town centre collecting donations to help feed through winter. Also, we were given a wonderful opportunity to draw the attention of the public to our work for the animals when a shopowner loaned us his shop which was for sale. We were able to use it for all our publicity and also have a bazaar selling secondhand items and bric a braque (all donated), to raise money for the strays on the island. As this little shop was in such a busy location, many people stopped enabling us to get our message through on a grand scale. We were lucky enough to have this shop for 2 months which was also allowed us to promote World Animal Day throughout this time. We are very grateful to John for giving us this opportunity. Louisa van Vurrde, Corfu ARK.     

Location: FINLAND - Helsinki
Event: Booksale / Shelter Open Day / Night of Poetry
Hosted by: Helsinki Humane Society

To celebrate World Animal Day, HESY organised lots of events. On Saturday 3rd of October HESY held a fundraising event at Jumbo Shopping Centre where we collected money and items for animals (food, bedding, toys etc) for homeless animals by selling second hand books. Myrsky, a Caucasian Shepherd, star of a Finnish film, also visited Jumbo. In 2008 Myrsky and screenwriter Marko Rauhala got HESY’s Topelius-prize, which is given to a person or a society that contributes significantly to animal protection.

On Sunday 4th of October HESY organised an event at the Center for Animal Protection (animal shelter) and sold coffee, pastries and accessories for pets and humans. Suleima, a fortune teller was also present.

On Monday 5th of October HESY organised an event called a Night of Poetry in Villa Kivi, which is a villa where writers can relax, get inspired and concentrate on writing. The poetry event was a success: nearly 50 people gathered to listen beautiful rhymes of famous Finnish poets: Eeva Kilpi, Satu Manninen and Jenni Haukio.

We also celebrated our 135th Anniversary this year. To celebrate, we held a photographic exhibition on the history of animal protection and awarded the Topelius prize this year to Etsijäkoiraliitto, a Search Dog Organisation. The society was founded on November 25th, 1874, by writer Zacharias Topelius and several other significant persons of that time. The aim of the society is to protect all animals according to the available resources. Although our most important activity is to rescue homeless animals, the society also consults in questions regarding animal protection and animal keeping. During the past 20 years HESY has taken care of approx 20,000 homeless animals and found new homes for them.  Each year we save in the region of 500 abandoned animals – mainly cats, but also dogs, rabbits, mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, chinchillas, birds, turtles and tortoises – and we provide them with a new better life. Erja Veivo, HESY. Image: A crowded Villa Kivi listens to poet Eeva Kilpi

Location: LATVIA - Liepaya
Event: Fun Dog Show
Hosted by: The Liepaya Cinological Society (Protection of Animals Group)

Location: SLOVAKIA
Event: Information Stand / Awareness Day
Hosted by: Pes V Nudzi (Dogs in Need)

Our organization Pes V Nudzi (Dogs in Need) held a beautiful event on the 4th October 2009. We had an information stand in a busy shopping center. Our petshop sponsor came with her products and visitors bought items for their own dogs or they could donate something for the dogs in our shelter and we had a large collection box. A percentage of every item sold was donated to our shelter.

We made a large banner/poster with photos of the dogs we have availabe for adoption. We had made a dog mascot who was very popular with everyone, especially the children. Many people came and talked, bought items and were very interested in the work of our organization. We were given cash donations and we collected many gifts for the dogs. In addition, some people showed interest in adopting one of our dogs. It was a very successful day for us, for the people and also for the dogs, when we gave the gifts to them. Kind regards, Kristína.

Location: SWEDEN
Event: Book Signing / Vegetarian Buffet / Awareness Evening
Hosted by: Djurens Rätt

Greetings on the evening of World Animal Day with pictures taken in Sweden: Tom Regans book Empty cages has recently been translated into swedish, and the world renowned philosopher and speaker/writer for animal rights honored our country, invited by "Djurens Rätt", Swedens largest organisation for animal rights. At a vegetarian buffé, organised by a local branch of Hälsofrämjandet (health promotion club), info pamphlets and booklets on Animal Rights, by "Djurens Rätt", were offered. Susanne Karlstedt.

Location: SPAIN - Almeria
Event: Sponsored Walk
Hosted by: PAWS / PATAS

PAWS/PATAS in Almeria held a week of events from 3rd - 10th October raising a much needed Euros 5,200 towards our Veterinary costs.  We started the week on the 3rd with a Sponsored Dog Walk, when 100+ people turned out with their dogs and sponsorship monies.  10 PAWS abandoned animals also went on the walk wearing their flourescent jackets with "I need a home" on the side of the jacket.  We wanted this walk to make people aware of the enormous abandoned animal problem within our area; sadly, although all of our publicity was in Spanish and english and we had English, German, Dutch, French attending the walk - only 1 Spaniard turned up - so getting our message across to the Spanish is not an easy task. PAWS/PATAS

Location: ROMANIA
Event: Children's Bat Workshop
Hosted by: Administration of Gradistea Muncelului-Cioclovina Natural Park

Location: PORTUGAL - Olhão, Algarve
Event: Workshop / Public Discussion / Expo
Hosted by: ADAPO - Associação de Defesa dos Animais e Plantas de Olhão

Dra. Miriam Rodrigues Aço, licensed in philosophy and Intercultural Teaching gave talks on responsible citizenship and ethical awareness in human interaction with animals: what we are, when we are really humans; animals and their rights; education for a responsible citizenship project. Our second speaker was Carla Peralta who breeds Portuguese Water Dogs (a breed that was dying out). Carla spoke about animals in the city of Olhão and workable solutions for harmonious coexistence between people and animals. We also discussed interaction between owners and animals and held a memorial to remember animals that had been victims of ill treatment such as poisoning.

Location: FRANCE - Aix-en-Provence
Event: Animal Awareness Day
Hosted by: Association Nature & Relief

The aim of this event, held on 4th of October, was to gather the Human and the Animal. It finds its roots in the World Animal Day which we thank once again for such a great initiative. By watching the images of the report done by TV7Provence you will find that our four legged friends have their place in the city and a huge loving power to give. We know it, though we are not really conscious about it (Many protected species are still exploited and consumed). By seeing adults and children come and caress the animals in the park this Sunday afternoon, one can only wonder about our responsibility towards the animal kind.

How can we exterminate species so affectionate and innocent? We wanted on purpose this contact with the Animal in the City this day, in order to show our mistake about these sentient beings who only want to live like us. Their therapeutic power is real and free and it was a great joy for children and adults to stroke for the first time these two magnificent llamas surprised to see so many people interested by them. We will remember this grand mother embracing the neck of the animal and hugging tenderly as if she met her child lost so much time ago. Yes, we waited for too long to acknowledge this love that binds us to them since the beginning of human kind.

If many animals give their life for our food, still plentiful in the rich countries, is it a reason to torture them till extermination? We don’t need bullfight to please us or measure our strength. If the human wants to face animals on equal terms he could cross the desert with them as did late Théodore Monod. Without the animal the Man wouldn’t survive. Let us protect it if we do not want our children disappear at their turn. Best regards, Michel Camille, Director.

Location: CYPRUS
Event: Pedigree / Whiskas supports World Animal Day
Information provided by: Stella Stylianou, Argos Animal Welfare and WAD Ambassador, Cyprus

Pedigree / Whiskas supported animal shelters in Cyprus to mark World Animal Day. For every Whiskas or Pedigree product purchased throughout September until World Animal Day, the company offered to donate 10 cents. In addition, the public contributed by purchasing any Pedigree or Whiskas products and placing them in specially marked bins at selected supermarkets.

This initiative raised the magnificent sum of 11,000 euros! In addition, the MARS Corporation  also paid 3,000 euros for the construction of 11 pet food donation containers which were placed in those supermarkets that did not have one for the benefit of the animal shelters. MARS printed the wrap-around flyer for the container, advertised on TV, and highway billboards. What a wonderful gesture of support and we hope that this will pave the way for other companies to support animal welfare.

Location: CYPRUS
Event: Shelter Open Day
Hosted by: Argos Animal Welfare

We held an Open Day at our shelter in Xylofagou / Ormidhia. Mr George Perdikis, MP of the Green Party Cyprus, together with his supporters, took part in a tree planting and general clean-up of the sanctuary grounds. The tree planting was an initiative of the local SBA (Sovereign Base Area) police who also arranged for the 20 trees to be donated by the forestry commission and 10 trees by a local nursery. Among our VIP visitors were the president of Cyprus Animal Voice for Animals, Mrs Mary Anastasi, members of the Cyprus Green Party, together with their General Secretary, Mr George Perdikis who was interviewed by the media. On World Animal Day, one of our dogs was adopted by a Green Party official.

Location: ROMANIA - Bucharest
Event: "Alo Oscar" Campaign
Hosted by: Romania Animal Rescue

Romania Animal Rescue Foundation participated in World Animal Day with our "Alo Oscar" campaign in Bucharest!   Oscar now appears on billboards throughout Bucharest encouraging acceptance and adoption of the wonderful street dogs! 

Oscar welcomes you!
 
Hello - Oscar here! Welcome to my world, the world of those who don’t speak. It’s me, Oscar! And I’ve got a voice to share with you people, the way the eyes and the nose of a dog see and feel the world. One frosty afternoon in January, while I was wandering the streets, starving, tired and lonely, I saw HER: two gentle eyes, a smiling face and a warm meal, all for me. I said: “Boy, this is your chance!” I took off, full speed ahead towards my “victim”, knowing that I have a winning face, floppy ears, tail between the legs and a begging look. As I expected, in a matter of seconds I wolfed a warm meal.  And while I was fawning around my new friend, I felt two gentle hands pick me up and place me inside their warm coat. It was the beginning of a new adventure – vet visits, plenty of nice food, caresses, a lot of caresses… in a word - the dream of any puppy, a home and a family. Yes my dear friends, I am a lucky guy. What appeared at first to be just a good meal, ended up being a wonderful new life - a “one way ticket” journey, along with my saver Nancy, to sunny California. And that’s how the stray dog from Bucharest became Oscar from California. Jogging on the beach in San Francisco, restaurants for pets, camps for my fellows, walks to petshops and hairdressers, all of which I have now experienced. But the most interesting lesson was visiting The Pet Adoption Center. And you should have seen my happiness when I saw how good the animals are treated, the involvement of the community and the thousands of volunteers who save, home and take care of them. What can we say… we, the furry ones, can have a beautiful life, in harmony with humans. Suddenly an extraordinary idea struck me: to return to Romania to tell you about the world seen though the eyes and the nose of a dog. Ultimately, we are all wonderful beings. Nancy Janes, Romania Animal Rescue, Inc.

Location: SERBIA - Pancevo
Event: Schoolchildren mark World Animal Day
Hosted by: Miroslav Antic Elementary School

This is the third year in a row that 120 students, their parents, relatives and teachers have joined to celebrate World Animal Day. This year we organised an exhibition of small animals in the school playground which was also visited by other students and their relatives, as well as people from the local neighborhood. The exhibition was divided into three parts: first for dogs aged under one year, second for other small animals, and third for the birds, aquarium fish etc. The children thoroughly enjoyed this experience presented by Biology professors Zlata Jovanovic and Zoran Milovanovic. They asked numerous questions and showed great interest in all the different species being exhibited. There is no greater happiness than to have a companion animal - this was not only a biology class but also a lesson in humane behaviour towards animals. Elementary school Miroslav Antic- Mika, Pancevo.

Location: SERBIA
Event: Schoolchildren's Awareness Event
Hosted by: Fund "sPas"

This year the Fund "sPas" celebrated World Animal Day in a school. The first class (aged 7) drew animals on the blackboard and spoke about their habitat, their needs and our attitude towards them. They enjoyed it and we discussed about their pets, too. The third class spent the lesson in front of computers, where they opened the WAD site and discussed the world movement to protect animals and what we can do for them.

The Fund "sPas" also started a petition to ban hunting in Serbia. Our lobbying campaign will be in two stages: initially we are asking for a three year moratorium and then we hope to make it permanent. We feel a policy of "one step at a time" is likely to be more successful than to ask for an outright ban from the start!

Location: FRANCE - Miramont de Quercy
Event: Special Open Day
Hosted by: Les Amis des Chats

World Animal day is little known in France so we were delighted to play a part in this wonderful event. In celebration, Les Amis Des Chats held an open day at our adoption centre in the Tarn et Garonne department of the Midi-Pyrénées. We had many visitors who not only adopted some of the cats we had for rehoming but we were also able to recruit more volunteer members.  As our charity is run entirely through the generousity of volunteers, this proved to be a very successful day! Here you can see a photo of Ginger, an adorable long-haired ginger kitten found in a sack with his brother at the side of a very quiet road! He was adopted through our World Animal Day Celebration Open Day. Les amis des chats. Spécialiste du bien-être des chats en France. Report sent by Lynn.

Location: AUSTRIA - Linz
Event: Blessing for ALL Animals of the World
Hosted by: Parish of St Peter, Linz

This year over 800 e-mails from all over the world with photos of animals were received  by the parish of Linz - St. Peter, requesting a blessing on the occasion of the traditional Animal Blessing. At the animal blessing itself, which took place in the church square, there were over 250 people including approximately 80 pets with their owners asking for God's blessing. In his sermon the pastor pointed out that the way animals are treated in a society is an indicator of the value of human life in all of its phases. Once again, balloons were sent out into the world with a message attached calling for a responsible and loving treatment for all of creation. New this year:  A local veterinarian was there with her Haflinger and following Holy Mass the children were able to have a ride on the horse. Best wishes from Austria, Father Franz Zeiger.

Location: BELARUS - Gomel
Event: Gomel Celebrates World Animal Day
Hosted by:

Location: BELGIUM
Event: Symposium: Welfare of Animals at Pasture
Hosted by: Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety & Environment

During periods of extreme cold or hot weather, the animal welfare inspection service receives significantly more complaints about animals that are kept outside.  To mark World Animal Day, the Animal Welfare Department of the Belgian Federal public service Health, Food chain safety and Environment organized a symposium about the welfare of animals that are kept on pasture. Over 150 participants, among them was His Royal Highness Prince Laurent of Belgium, listened to the different views of the speakers.

After the Symposium was officially opened, the first speaker, Mrs Couneson, shared her experiences as an inspector and showed pictures of neglected animals on pasture. Prof. Geers and Prof. Ödberg explained thermoregulation and behaviour of animals on pasture. They both shared the opinion that animals are more sensitive to the high temperatures in summer than the low temperatures in winter.
The view of the farmers was presented by Mr De Bruyn. This was followed by the opinion of Mr Montegnies, who represented the animal protection societies. Mrs Hesterman and Mr Smit gave some information on the situation in The Netherlands. They explained that a prohibition on the building of animal shelters on pastures, out of fear of cluttering the landscape, leads in fact to more cluttering, because this forces people to erect all kinds of illegal and mostly shabby constructions.
The current legislation concerning the construction of shelters in Flanders and Wallonia was presented by Mr Van Beneden and Mr Schwanen. The last speaker, Mr Josten, gave more details on the use and management of certain animal breeds that are known to be suited for extensive grazing projects.

The Symposium ended with Mr Duville, representative of the Belgian Minister Onkelinx, who presented a leaflet and a poster about the welfare of animals that are kept on pasture. These documents contain some general advice for animal owners and points of contact for complaints. Ester Peeters, Scientific Advisor for the Council for Animal Welfare, Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment.

Location: CROATIA - Zagreb
Event: Animal Friends Days: Vegetarian Food Fair / Lecture: Food & Climate / Special City Event
Hosted by: Animal Friends Croatia & City of Zagreb

1st October - Animal Friends invited the public to taste vegan dishes on Ban Jelacic Square where we held an information stall throughout the day. Seitan and tofu, fried without eggs, was offered together with vegan French salad as part of the event to mark the end of the Veggie Challenge. Participants of the Veggie Challenge decided to go vegetarian or vegan for 14 days – from the ZeGeVege Festival to World Vegetarian Day. Individuals from 25 Croatian towns joined the challenge, amongst them the Croatian celebrities Petra Nizetic, Iva Sulentic, Ivana Radovnikovic and Ana Stunic, who will also be present during the tasting. The majority of the participants of the Veggie Challenge will become part of the ever growing vegetarian population of more than 150,000 in Croatia at the moment.

3rd October - On the occasion of the arrival of the former MEP Jens Holm to Croatia, Animal Friends held an information stall on King Tomislav Square and held a lecture"Food and Climate" in the Europe House Zagreb. After the meeting with members of the Committe for Environmental Protection in the Croatian Parliament, Jens Holm presented shocking information in his lecture about the biggest threat to life on Earth - climate changes. After the lecture everyone received a copy of the report The Livestock Industry and the Climate by Jens Holm and the journalist Toivo Jokkala, which was followed by a banquet.

Sunday, 4th October, World Animal Day

Ivana Surjan, member of Animal Friends and Croatia's World Animal Day Ambassador, invited individuals and associations in Croatia to join in the marking of this international day. Animal Friends joined the City of Zagreb in organizing a special event at Zagreb's Bundek lake. Besides holding an information stall, Animal Friends offered activities and entertainment for children and adults with performances by the children's choir 'Kikici', the dance group 'Capoeira', as well as the etno singer 'Elma', and the singer 'Minea'. 'Vrecko', the bag monster, was also there to raise awareness of the dangers of plastic bags for animals and environment.

We also launched a new petition on World Animal Day as many people are very unhappy that, after almost 3 years, the Croatian Animal Protection Act is still not being enforced. The reason being that we want the Government to reform the section that refers to the veterinary inspection. The veterinary inspection should be more efficient, should have more inspectors and should be more ready to supervise and sanction animal abusers and everyone who is breaking the law. We invited everyone to sign the petition which is also available on www.prijatelji-zivotinja.hr after World Animal Day. We are very grateful to the sponsors of Animal Friends Days and they are: Biovega, Eco natura, Encian, Malleus, Omegol, Repro eko, Vegehop, and Zale. Bernard Franolic, Animal Friends Croatia.

Location: FRANCE - Annemasse, Haute Savoie (near Geneva)
Event: Information Stand
Hosted by: Association Oïkos Kaï Bios

Stand organisé par l’association Oïkos Kaï Bios à Annemasse, Haute Savoie. Nous avons eu la visite d’une journaliste du Dauphiné Libéré, (article paru le 10). De nombreux passants ce jour de marché et beaucoup s’arrêtent sur le stand pour une signature ou parfois un peu plus. Nous totaliseront plus de 370 signatures pour l’ensemble des 45 pétions proposées: 165 signatures contre l’expérimentation animale dont;  54 pour notre pétition contre l’expérimentation animale au Biopark d’Archamps; 59 pour la défense des animaux en général: justice pour les animaux, fourrure, chiens et chats d’Ukraine; 51 contre la chasse; 77 contre les élevages industriels , les OGM…Une femme était venue nous rencontrer à propos d’un chien à placer : elle a croisé sur le stand une personne qui devrait pouvoir l’aider. Une autre a évoqué ce maire d’une ville de Corse, aidé d’un vétérinaire généreux, qui soutient financièrement la stérilisation des animaux. Ce fut l’occasion de croire qu’un monde meilleur envers les animaux était possible.

Our stand was organized by the Association Oïkos Kaï Bios in Annemasse, High Savoy. Dauphiné Libéré visited our stand and her article was published on 10th October. As it was market day in the town, there were many passers by who stopped to look, take leaflets, sign petitions and speak with us. We collected more than 370 petition signatures. A woman approached us to discuss a dog she needed to find a home for and she met someone on the stand who has offered to help her. Another visitor spoke about the mayor of a town in Corsica who, with the support of a generous veterinary surgeon, provides financial support to have stray animals sterilized. It was an occasion to believe that a better world for the animals is possible.

Location: FRANCE - Evreux
Event: Awareness Event
Hosted by: Les Amis des Chiens

Location: FRANCE - Montpellier
Events: Maurin Shelter Information Stall
Hosted by: Le Collectif Libération Animale de Montpellier (CLAM 34)

A l’occasion de la célébration simultanée des Journées Mondiales Végétariennes et le la Journée Mondiale des Animaux, le CLAM et l’AVF ont été invités comme l’année précédente à partager l’immense chapiteau de la SPA de Montpellier le 4 et le 5 Octobre. Les personnes compatissantes venues en foule voir les chats et les chiens à adopter ont ainsi eu l’occasion de voir que cette compassion pouvait être étendue à tous les animaux domestiques en épargnant poules, lapins, cochons, veaux, vaches de l’horreur des usines d’élevage et des abattoirs. Les photos, vidéos, magazines, brochures, tracts et l’ardeur de nos militants ont attiré plus de 600 visiteurs à notre stand, 300 pétitions ont été signées et plusieurs centaines de tracts et publications distribuées. Comme toujours, le public s’attroupait pour regarder les vidéos, leur premier contact sans doute avec toute l’étendue de la souffrance animale. Il est encourageant de voir combien le végétarisme se développe en France au vu des nombreuses personnes végétariennes ou en voie de le devenir pour raison d’éthique, d’écologie ou de santé qui viennent nous parler.
Dominique et Anouk (ambassadrice de World Animal Day) ont été interviewés et filmés par le reporter de la SPA pour la Comédie des Animaux..
Les organisateurs, Dominique, Laurent et Joëlle remercient en particulier Constance et Yves qui ont passé avec nous les 2 journées entières, ainsi que Annie, Coraline, Anouk, Isabelle, Carole et Dany. Merci aussi à Philippe du restaurant Bollywood Boulevard, à Constance et à Anouk, pour les spécialités végétaliennes que quantité de visiteurs ont eu le plaisir de déguster.
Merci aux membres de la SPA de Montpellier qui sont venus nombreux nous encourager et à tous les visiteurs qui nous ont félicités de notre activisme pour les animaux. CLAM 34.

Location: GEORGIA - Tbilisi
Events: Homeless Dog Awareness Event
Hosted by: Georgian Society for the Protection of Animals

We organized a celebration of World Animal Day at the Zoo in Tbilisi. On this we managed to find new homes for 7 homeless dogs. Contracts were signed by the new owners to ensure we are able to monitor their health and welfare twice a year and, if for any reason the new owners are no longer able to care for their pet they must return it to us. Also, the dogs were microchipped and, with the support of Royal Canin, we were able to provide the new owners with free food for one year. We were lucky that the weather was very good, it was a weekend and the zoo was visited by about one thousand children. Our organisation congratulates all animal lovers for doing something special on this day. Georgian Society for the Protection of Animals.

Location: GREECE - Crete
Events: Childrens Drawing Competition, Raffle, Information Stands + Charity Dinner
Hosted by: Cretan Animal Welfare

CAWG decided to take the lead in organising high profile local events in order to celebrate World Animal Day 2009 (4th October). Due to the announcement of Greek national elections on 4th October, it was decided to move the events to Saturday 10th October in order to maximise exposure to the press and public. The overall positioning for the events was taken as ‘a celebration of the relationship between animals and people’, which would provide a positive platform for putting across key messages.
Objectives - A multiple of objectives were set against which success of the events would be measured: Create a collaboration between Cretan animal welfare charities and achieve synergy; Increase awareness of animal welfare issues; Create a positive attitude amongst parents and children in the context of animals and welfare for animals; Generate income for Cretan Animal Welfare Group and other charities.
Target audience - Primarily the target groups were the Greek urban local population, in particular families with young children
Events program - A number of events were held throughout the day at the Loggia in the centre of Heraklion as this is always a very busy area. The following events took place: face painting and a drawing competition for children; a professional photographer took photographs of people with Marley our mascot dog and the Greek actress Anna Tsoukala; we held a raffle/lottery; sold World Animal Day branded merchandise; participating animal welfare organisations had information stands; basic dog training demonstrations. We also organised a charity dinner on 9th October. Budget - A budget of €3,500 was available for the events.
Sponsors - In order to use the budget to maximum effect, sponsors were invited to contribute at every level possible – this ranged from: contribution of prizes for the raffle and children drawing competition; flight and hotel for Anna Tsoukala; permission to use the Loggia; printing of marketing materials; provision of materials for face painting and for cinema.
Volunteers - With such a wide range of activities, many volunteers were needed to make it work. A large team of volunteers were recruited to cover a wide range of tasks, from graphic design, ‘being’ Marley, face painters, photographer, photography sales, security, raffle ticket sales, merchandise sales, animal welfare information provision, handyman, face painting ticket coordinator, children drawings coordinators & judges, setting up and packing up.
Marketing - We distributed 1000 posters of two types: one for the general public to advertise the events and the second for schools to advertise the drawing competition. The first (750) were distributed to all participating charities, Halkiadakis supermarkets, shops in Heraklion, volunteers in outer areas of Heraklion, poster sites in the centre of Heraklion. The school posters (250) were delivered in person and by post to various schools in Heraklion. 5,000 leaflets were distributed to give more information about the program of events and these were handed out in the centre of Heraklion in the week leading up to the event day. We provided 10,000 coasters to a number of bars in Heraklion in order to furhter advertise the up and coming events. Press releases were sent out (3 times) to key media contacts (print, tv and radio).  This resulted in an in-promptu radio interview (local station), a 20 minute live feature at Kriti TV (the main local TV station in Crete on Wednesday prior to event day) showing face painting in action, Marley, Kerenza (as CAWG/WAD spokesperson), phone-in interview with Anna Tsoukala. As a result, further free publicity was achieved through posters printed in Nea Kriti (Thursday and Friday prior to event day). A World Animal Day Banner (10 x 2) was spanned across 25th August Street, further attracting customers to the Loggia on the day. The Loggia was also dressed in green in order to provide a highly visible platform and to create further interest of passers’ by.
Results - The event day attracted a huge number of people and it was busy from start to finish. There was a very positive atmosphere, with many people coming to the information stands, buying branded merchandise and raffle tickets. Many children turned up to have their face painted and it was necessary to introduce a ticketing system in order to manage the stream of children and parents queueing. In addition many school children arrived with their drawings and most drawings were put on display in and around the Loggia. One school had made a coordinated effort and turned up with the whole class dressed up with hats and all handing in their drawings. We sold 760 raffle tickets which raised €756 and was split between 7 charities. It was a very successful day for all the animal welfare charities. We anticipate that the increase of good will amongst the public is likely to have a postive impact on encouraging a greater respect for animals. We have raised the profile of animal welfare charities and World Animal Day and increased volunteer interest. We also gained coverage on all local TV stations. Kerenza Vlastou, www.CretanAnimalWelfare.org "Working towards a better future for animal on Crete and beyond."

Location: ITALY - Castel Volturno, Campania
Event: 'Spay Day' for Stray Cats
Hosted by: Lega Pro Animale

Within a couple of days of announcing our World Animal Day Spay Day for Stray Cats, the appointment book had been overfilled and there were so many cats we could not accept anymore. Over 40 cat caretakers (people who feed stray cats) had been waiting anxiously for the next 'Spay Day'. The Italian animal protection law prescribes free of charge spaying and neutering of stray cats performed by state veterinarians. Unfortunately, most of them are very busy with food inspection or they do not have the skills. Some are practising, but most of them ignore the law and don't do anything to help. Therefore LEGA PRO ANIMALE decided to give a hand to the authorities to stop the huge cat overpopulation problem in the region of Campania. We all know too well that most of the abandoned kittens have a fatal destiny: they get hit by cars, killed by dogs or die from infectious diseases. And sometimes they can harm humans causing car accidents and spreading zoonotic diseases.

For all these reasons LEGA PRO ANIMALE is constantly searching for financial resources to offer as many surgeries as possible. Thanks to many donors all over the world, we offer days like this (besides our “daily” surgeries in the clinic!) on a regular base.  We started offering these special days in July 2007 and over 1400 cats have now been neutered. On this day we sterilized 94 female cats and 38 males!

Good news: for the first time in 25 years we managed to get a small contribution for our work from the local government, the region of Campania. Therefore we can now increase the number of “Spay Days” and we can now accept cats on a more regular basis. If anyone wants to have the stray cats in their parco (only residents on the territory of Regione Campania) all they need to do is telephone 0823-859552 (Monday to Thursday) to make an appointment. We can lend you traps and cages (you have to leave a deposit that will be given back when the traps are returned). Dorothea Friz, DVM
President, LEGA PRO ANIMALE. Please click here to view a pdf file of Spay Day images.

Location: FRANCE - Moux-en-Morvan, near Nevers
Event: International Dog Walk
Hosted by: Animal Medical Care Foundation (AMCF)

Slowly, people in France are becoming aware of animal welfare.  Unfortunately, this change is taking place very slowly, especially in the countryside.  It is the opinion of a lot of French people that dogs are used for two things, to guard the home, or to be used for hunting.  It is normal for dogs to be kept chained up in the garden or yard, or kept outside in kennels.

It is not normal for French people to walk their dogs.  However, there are small changes taking place in their thinking, and I hope it will one day become the norm in France to walk their dogs regularly.

Armed with the knowledge that to see a French person walking a dog is not a regular occurrence, we thought a good way to bring attention to World Animal Day was to organise a walk for dog owners.  This would have the effect of drawing attention to World Animal Day, and showing dog owners that walking the dog was not only a good exercise for them and their dogs, but a social occasion and good fun too.

AMCF produced notices advertising the walk, which were put up in villages, left at local vets, shopping centres, social centres and tourist offices.   Local newspapers and a national newspaper were contacted, as were the local radio station, local SPA shelters and animal magazines. It was a bit disappointing that none of those showed interest.

The organised circular walk lasted 1 ½ - 2 hours (depending how slowly one walked) and included a variety of scenery.  It started and finished in a small village with a restaurant and shop. The owner of the restaurant opened on the Sunday afternoon of 4 October, so that when people finished they could buy a drink and make it a social occasion.

As the first ever organised walk for dogs in this area of France, we think it was successful.  Approximately 35 people turned up with between 35-40 dogs.  Every dog received a small present for coming and completing the walk.  People who came were local English, Dutch and French people and it was a good social event, which was enjoyed by all the dogs, with all types and sizes being represented.

It was pleasing to see quite a few French people there and we hope to make this an annual event.  Perhaps slowly, but surely, French people will come to see that dogs, like humans, need exercise, stimulation and affection, and not just food and shelter, and these types of events will hopefully draw attention to this. Betty Mercey, President AMCF and World Animal Day Ambassador for The Netherlands.

Location: PORTUGAL - Santa Maria da Feira
Event: Shelter Open Day
Hosted by: Associação dos Amigos dos Animais de Santa Maria da Feira (AANIFEIRA)

We are an association called Aanifeira – Associação dos Amigos dos Animais de Santa Maria da Feira located in Santa Maria da Feira in the north of Portugal and we are delighted to say that we held an event for World Animal Day on October 4th.  Aanifeira is a refuge home for almost 400 dogs and 15-20 cats.  Is a non-profit association run purely with volunteers and relying on donations, membership.  We work hard with adoptions to reduce the number of animals that we have at our home. Our event was held as an open day from 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. on Sunday 4th October for members to come and see the building works and progress that has taken place at the refuge home over the past few months along with visiting our animals.  We were pleased with the turnout.  For further information on Aanifeira please see our website is www.aanifeira.pt   Our English site is being updated but the old site is available for viewing. Jackie Dias, Aanifeira.

Location: PORTUGLAl - Olhão, Algarve
Event: Workshop and Public Discussion / Expo
Hosted by: ADAPO - Associação de Defesa dos Animais e Plantas de Olhão

This year we held two World Animal Day events. On Saturday 3rd October we held a workshop to discuss the new philosophy view about the relationship between man and animals as supported by philosophers such as Singer, Tooley and Renaud. This was followed by a public discussion about the problems surrounding stray animals and other animal-related issues in our city of Olhão. On Sunday 4th October we held an Expo to highlight animal welfare issues and highlighting the cruelty inflicted upon animals by humans, for example poisoning. We want to show that we as humans have a responsibility to bring an end to all animal cruelty. Celia Caravela, ADAPO

Location: PORTUGAL
Event: Celebrating World Animal Day countrywide
Hosted by: ANVETEM - Associacao Nacional de Medicos Veterinarios dos Municipios

ANVETEM is a Portuguese Association that represents veterinarian surgeons working for all the Municipalities. These veterinarians have existed in our country since 1830 in our country. Over the years the role of ANVETEM has continuously evolved, reinforcing our activities and showing people and society in general the importance of our role in public health, animal welfare and animal health. One of our main goals is education. Therefore, we use every symbolic date we can to pass on our messages. Every year, the number of Municipalities celebrating World Animal Day is is increasing with a great range of different activities such as: free vaccination and microchip; organized walks with dogs ; animal adoption campaigns; viewing movies about animals; several activities involving animals; mini plays about animal rights; educational campaigns against abandoning and cruelty to animals; animal blessings. This year 12 towns were involved and they were: Oeiras, Torres Novas, Seixal, Valongo, Mangualde, Pont Delgada (Azores), Vila do Conde, Almada, Coimbra, Sao Joao da Madeira, Montigo and Lourinha. Ana Elisa, ANVETEM

Location: RUSSIA - St Petersburg
Event: "Our friends - Dogs"
Hosted by: Charity Fund "Help for Stray Dog"

Animal Protection organizations from around the world celebrate World Animal Day every year by holding special events. Since 2000, this Day has been celebrated in Russia. Our country firmly holds 2nd place in the world (after the USA) as having the most families with pets - every 3rd Russian family has at least one pet.

The main aim of World Animal Day is to increase the level of ethical and humane attitude towards animals, especially amongst children and youth. On the 4th October, an event called "Our friends – Dogs" was organized in the 300th Aniversary Park of St Petersburg.

Among those participating at the event was: Charity Fund "Help for Stray Dogs"; a group of dog therapists engaged in work with children with development defects; animal trainers show-group "Кashtanka"; a search and rescue display; life saving service group; dog-show theatre "Surprise"; team of Dog-fanciers Club "Schnauzer on the Neva" and many others.

Citizens of the city attended the event together with their pets, and also many families with their children. With genuine enthusiasm and interest kids watched the performance of the four-footed actors from the dog-show theatre, as well as the performances given by pets of "Kashtanka". The children's eyes shined with happiness when they cuddled big and important Newfoundland dogs or played with energetic Schnauzers. It was explained to young dog-fanciers how rescue on water is safely carried out and they showed one example of what great results can be achieved after just one month of training. Valuable advice was also given to guests regarding correct behavior while meeting a dog.

We hope that the organization of such events in our city will become a tradition. It was wonderful to see people from all walks of life coming together, united by their love of dogs.

We were accompanied by Stella, an ex-ward of our animals shelter, who now lives with one of the Fund's employees. Looking at this sociable, friendly, lively and playful dog, it is hard to believe that, just a short time ago she was very timid and fearful. Her own home and loving master can work wonders!

Location: SERBIA - Belgrade
Event: Star Pet Store Event
Hosted by: Max Advertising / Star Pet Store / Pefect Produkt

Sunday morning it was very sunny which made me very happy because I know this will get people onto the streets! I was right. At 11 am children began arriving with their pets. I cannot describe how happy and proud they were! Everybody was very excited about the contest, becouse everybodywas convinced that their dog, cat, fish, hamster is the most beatiful, most funny and most charming. We prepared surprise gifts for everyone who participated. Everyone was very pleased and so were we when approximately 600 people joined our celebration. Although Max Advertising organised this event it was done on behalf of the largest domestic importer of pet food 'Perfect Produkt' who made free samples and promotional items available for everyone. We decorated the Startpet store with lots of red and yellow balloons and invited representatives of animal shelters throughout Serbia to be part of this event giving them the chance to speak freely about the problems surrounding abandoned dogs and cats. I hope that we shall see some improvements within the animal welfare sphere before we celebrate World Animal Day 2010! We used this opoportunity to raise awareness of many animal related issues in the hope of raising their status and encouraging a greater respect for the rights of all animals with whom we share this earth. We sent out press releases which resulted in excellent media support of this event. 'Perfect Produkt' gave a huge donation to animal shelters in the form of food and money. Ivana Jovanovic, Director, Max Advertising

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