Competition shows a snapshot of China’s companion animals
An Animals Asia photo competition aiming to capture China‘s companion animals on film, has announced its winners to coincide with World Animal Day (October 4th, 2013)
Launched by Animals Asia’s Cat and Dog Welfare team the competition received over 2,600 entries with the best set to be exhibited across China.
Among the winner was Qin Yikai in Nanning whose picture of an old man and a cat was judged best in the “We are a family” section.
“I met with an ethnic old man and his cat. His children work in the city while he stays in the village alone. He said: ‘I don’t feel lonely with the company of my old cat’.”
Other winners included Chen Lizhen of Guangdong province’s Foshan city in the section “The Most Touching Eyes”. The picture of a rescued cat and kitten together is captioned:
“I adopted Xiao Hua and Xiao He’. Xiao Hei is the bigger one whereas Xiao Hua is just one month old. They became pretty good friends in just two days. I guess that’s because they have the similar experiences and share love with each other just like we human beings do.”
The final winner was Lin Huamiao from Beijing in the “Stray Angels” section. The picture caught two cats who live in Tiantan Park in Beijing. It’s captioned: “I always bring cat food to Tiantan Park to feed the homeless cats. In fact, they live a not bad life there. Most do not lack food and some animal protection groups have built house for them, such as the Capital Animal Welfare Association. However, most of the homeless animals are not as lucky as them. They live in bad conditions and even suffer from starvation. Let’s care for homeless animals and build comfortable living conditions for them.”
The competition was launched by Animals Asia in August by Hong Kong-based actress, singer and animal activist Karen Mok who said:
“I believe that many people like to record their memories with their beloved companion animals with cameras, and I am really looking forward to enjoying all the touching stories. Let’s work together to show our love and care to our animal friends.”
The results are now being shared on Chinese social media networks and gaining a huge response.
Irene Feng, Animals Asia China Cat and Dog Welfare Director said:
“While the photos were of the animals themselves, it was clear that the captions were an equally interesting snapshot into the lives of animal lovers in China. For so many people companion animals are very much part of the family. Elsewhere others were noticing the part animals played in their own community-from providing companionship to the elderly to the strays fed in local parts. “The standard was incredibly high and as an animal welfare organisation it’s wonderful to be able to share such positive images of animal-loving China.”
- Organised by: Animals Asia Foundation