British dogs are being trained in the detection of coronavirus.
The dogs are being utilised as the world hunts for early detection methods for spotting coronavirus infections in humans. Watch the dogs being put through their paces in this fascinating video.
The RSPCA is encouraging dog owners to plan for their pet’s care in the event of a healthcare emergency.
The animal welfare charity is asking owners to fill in an emergency pet care form and display this visibly in their home to ensure that should the worst happen there will be someone there to care for their pet.
Dr Samantha Gaines, head of the companion animals department at the RSPCA, said: “Although no one wants to think about the worst happening, in these strange and challenging times it’s important to consider what would happen to our pets if we become ill, are hospitalised, or pass away.
“The RSPCA is urging pet owners to take steps to set up a care plan for their pet in the event that they can no longer care for them. Think about who would look after your pets and have a chat with your family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are happy to take on this responsibility. They will also need to know where to find guidance on Coronavirus and pets so that they can keep themselves and your pet safe.”
In order to make it easy for people to display these details, the RSPCA has put together an animal care form for pet owners to fill in and display on their fridge, as well as a notice to place in your front window to let people know that pets are inside.
The charity hopes this will provide peace of mind that your pet will be looked after if you can no longer do so.
Samantha added: “We know that this is a really concerning time for people and understandably pet owners may be worried about what might happen to their pet if they were to become very poorly. This is why displaying your pet care plan with the contact details of the next of kin will provide vital information about them and ensure that your pets get the care they need.”
To download and print* your pet care form, visit: https://www.rspca.org.uk/coronavirus
If you are worried about your pet’s health but you don’t think it’s an emergency or urgent vet care problem, you could consider an online veterinary consultation via an app.
The UK-based animal welfare movement, World Animal Day, is calling upon animal lovers to get in touch with Google, to request a high-profile home page Google Doodle that will raise the status of animal welfare issues worldwide. World Animal Day takes place on October 4 every year and is organised by the Cheltenham based Naturewatch Foundation.
It would love to see a World Animal Day Google Doodle adding to more than 4000 others that the Google design team has already created. Google Doodles celebrate famous people from all walks of life, special dates in the calendar – like World Animal Day – and events big and small and the search engine is open to suggestions from the public as to what would merit it replacing its own home page Google logo with a special doodle.
World Animal Day is now seeking to rally as much support as possible, from animal lovers across the UK and locations worldwide. It wants to convince the Internet giant that its October 4 doodle could do nothing better than support the cause of animals. The process is quick and easy, as World Animal Day has set up a page requiring just a name and email address and then a press of the submit button. Supporters can spread the word on their own social media, using the hashtag #WorldAnimalDayDeservesAGoogleDoodle.
To gain more visibility on social media itself, World Animal Day has created a series of visuals in which a number of animals, including Harry the cat, speak up and say, “I deserve a Google Doodle”.
World Animal Day helps raise the profile of animal welfare, to mobilise support and channel it into direct actions that raise the status of all types of animal and improve animal welfare standards. Celebrity supporters include Ricky Gervais, Simon Cowell and Jean-Claude Van Damme, all of whom the initiative hope may also request the desired Google Doodle.
By achieving its mission, World Animal Day believes it can focus more attention, across the globe, on issues relating to the treatment and care of companion, wild, marine, farm and working animals, as well as animals in the entertainment world.
Caroline Ruane, Campaign Coordinator, said, “We are calling upon all animal lovers to do one simple thing, quickly fill in our pre-prepared form and send it off to Google. If we can get enough people to do that, we may just achieve our dream of having World Animal Day placed in the consciousness of all Google users on that day.
This would raise the day’s profile further but, more importantly, potentially change the lives of many more animals.” In the meantime, animal lovers can create events in support of World Animal Day, to either raise funds for animal welfare, or change attitudes towards animals for the better. More information www.worldanimalday.org.uk A quick link for the Google Doodle submission form http://bit.ly/2Zwrdgv
Did you know that female worms can lay 85,000 eggs per day? And worms don’t discriminate; dogs of all shapes and sizes can be affected.
That’s why a new beef flavoured bone-shaped wormer has been launched this month by Bayer to help larger breeds, like Bernese Mountain Dogs, Huskies, German Shepherds and Great Danes to combat worms because the best way to help protect dogs from worms is to treat them at least every three months.
The Drontal Tasty Bone XL kills every type of intestinal worm commonly found in UK dogs, including roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm – which can grow up to 16 feet inside dogs – in one dose.
Vicky McAlister, Bayer Drontal Senior Brand Manager, said: “We’re proud to offer a new edition to the Drontal family, Drontal Tasty Bone XL. Even large breeds need protecting at least every three months and that’s why Drontal Tasty Bone XL is the perfect addition to improve compliance in larger breeds, and ensures that all shapes and sizes are protected from worms.”
Speak with your vet or pharmacist to find out more.
A new study has revealed that 8 in 10 dog owners believe their pet is most important to their daily happiness, beating friends by almost four times as much, showing we are relying on our pets more than ever.
According to the pet tech firm Furbo, more than half of men (57%) admitted that having their dog by their side has the biggest positive impact on their mental health.
Half of dog owners revealed that they have suffered from mental health issues, such as anxiety, phobias and depression and 4 in 10 are now also recognising those same signs in their dogs with dogs barking, destroying post and chewing beds when left alone as well as becoming withdrawn, not wanting to go outside.
In a bid to make dogs happy, owners are seeking advice from pet experts, such as vets or behaviourists (77% of women say) and have been seeking out new technology, such as dog cameras, to keep in touch with pets when left alone so they could ‘call in’ and let their pet hear their voice (53% of men revealed) to make them feel better.
Dog owners also admit to spending monthly on their pet’s happiness, with over half (53%) of city dog owners spending up to £100.
4 in 10 dog owners say their pets will always come first and they are a big part of the family. They believe this makes them good pet parents, so perhaps it is no surprise that when it comes to admitting who makes them happiest on a daily basis, dogs top the list, followed by partners with friends falling behind dogs by nearly four times as much.
Men & Women Reveal Exactly Who Is Most Important to Happiness
In Furbo’s study, 52% of dog owners revealed they believe we assign human moods and feelings to our dogs’ behaviours, more now than ever before, but perhaps this is no surprise since dogs and humans have always had a close relationship, led by dogs evolving to suit our needs. So are dogs learning to read our emotions too well resulting in them developing anxiety and other phobias?
Possibly.
In 2018, scientists at the University of Bari Aldo Moro in Italy carried out a study monitoring the reactions of dogs when analysing human faces when feeding and learnt that dogs study our faces to understanding the emotions behind our expressions. And it seems as we learn more about how our dogs connect with us, we connect their reactions to human emotions too.
Ryan O’Meara, a former professional dog trainer commented on the findings:
“The role of the modern dog is very different today as fewer and fewer dogs are purchased with the intention of performing particular tasks but, more specifically, as a means to provide pure companionship. As our own lives become busier and more stress-filled, it makes sense that owners would worry that their dogs, who share our lives, would feel similar to us.
“Often this is simply a case of incorrectly transferring our very human worries on to our nearest and dearest friends (our dogs) but in some instances, it’s true. Dogs can be stressed if we’re stressed. We know this to be the case. So even in the ironic case of us being stressed about whether our dogs are stressed, we can inadvertently make our dogs feel anxious.
“The key to avoiding these negative scenarios is to ensure our dogs are properly fed, mentally stimulated and lead a life of recognisable routine and stability.”
Furbo is an interactive dog camera with a connected app that lets you see, talk, and even give treats to your dog when you’re away.
A new study has revealed that nearly half (44%) of dog owners admit that they would struggle to afford vet bills out of their own savings, causing worry and stress.
The number is even higher for cats, where 62% are not covered compared to 47% for dogs. This equates to around 4 million uninsured dogs and 6 million uninsured cats living in the UK.
In spite of the widespread reluctance to insure their furry friends, comparethemarket.com discovered that pet owners who have insured their dogs and cats are paying different amounts, depending on where they live and in some cases, London, for example, pet owners pay a higher monthly premium – which could be why 68% are without pet insurance.
Black Friday 2018 is Friday 23 November and generally, it marks the start of America’s Christmas shopping season. However, retailers across the world now get involved, making it a day we can all enjoy – pets included.
We will update this article over the next week as more discounts are released, from Black Friday to Cyber Monday deals for pets and their owners, we’ll share the best offers we find here.
We love when technology makes our lives easier, from how we manage our daily schedules to how we heat our homes, more of us than ever before are making use of technology to help us manage our ever busy lives.
And the Furbo dog camera is no exception to this rule. Once you’ve tried it, you won’t turn back. It is a game changer, frankly.
If you need further convincing, this dog will help you make up your mind (your dog can thank her later).
There is a reason the Furbo is on the best seller list on Amazon around the world. Seriously, you won’t regret it and you’ll find yourself – or family members – using it more and more as you want to stay connected to loved ones. matter.
Buy a Furbo Dog Camera for £149 (get an extra £50 off the sale price of £199, usual price £249)
This Black Friday offer has been brought to you by Furbo Dog Camera.
Read more about the Furbo Dog Camera and shop online here
We love a story with a happy ending and that’s exactly what this tale has.
Here’s how Wylie, a 6-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier found a new home as a result of technology.
Thanks to the Furbo Dog Camera, his rescue was able to help him combat his anxiety to show the real Wylie, rather than an anxious boy, pacing in his kennel, which they had been told concerned potential adopters, leaving him overlooked.
His rescue, Battersea Dogs Home credit the technology with his rehoming success. They explain why and how the treat tossing pet camera helped him to show his best self, landing him a new home in the process.
Photo Credit: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
“Handsome Wylie came into the shelter in London and was an instant hit with the staff. We could see how wonderful he was, but unfortunately, all the public saw was a dog that was pacing, barking and generally not showing himself at his best.
“Comments from the public about Wylie were all the same. They love the way he looked but thought he would be just too noisy to have in the home.
“Wiley is a smart boy, he mostly barked in kennels because he was bored, so it was time to get his brain working. We decided to teach him a trick to perform for the public making him look more attractive. The timing couldn’t be better as Valentine’s day was fast approaching.
“We decided to get Wiley to hold a bunch of red roses, that way he not only looked romantic, but his mouth was full. No barking! Once the trick was taught, we could remove the handler from kennel, and still reward Wiley picking up the flowers by using the Furbo.
“That way, Wiley was rewarded for presenting all potential adopters his flowers, and we didn’t even need to be there. He just looked like the perfect dog!
“We could also reward him remotely for calm, quiet behaviours rather than barking. Wylie found now his forever home and two month after his adoption we visited him in his new home again where he feels loved and home. He has still stopped barking and behaves like the perfect gentleman.”
The article is sponsored by Furbo Dog Camera.
Find out more about the Furbo dog camera and how it could help reward your pet, dishing out treats to your dog here
New research out reveals that dog owners post about their beloved pets on social media six times a week.
And so to celebrate just how much our dogs are a part of our lives (in the real world as well as online) a new competition has been launched inviting dog owners to put their pets – and themselves – to the test in the 2018 Chuckit! Challenge competition.
Photo Credit: K9 Magazine
The competition ran in 2016 and 2017 and over a thousand entries filtered in. This year winners can get their hands (paws) on a host of prizes from Chuckit!, including dog toys and courtesy of Forest Holidays, a luxury log cabin holiday worth £1,000 in their chosen UK location.
Will Baggaley, UK brand manager for Chuckit! said, “After the success of the Chuckit! Challenge in the last two years, we wanted to give our fans another opportunity to take part in the competition, and this time show off their dog’s skills in front of an amazing panel of hand-picked judges.”
This year, dog owners will have until the Summer to submit their dog’s most impressive action shots with their favourite Chuckit! toys to the brand’s Facebook and Twitter pages, using the hashtag #ChuckitChallenge. From there, entries will be judged by a selection of pet industry and social media pupstars, who hold an impressive combined social following of over 60,000: Finn for Change, the West Midlands Fire Dogs, Kim O’Meara from K9 Magazine, Dogs on Adventures and Bertie Lakeland.
What better excuse do you need than the #BankHoliday weekend to get out with your dog to take your winning snap for the Chuckit! Challenge. Take a look at some of the paw-tastic entries we’ve had so far…?? #ChuckitChallenge pic.twitter.com/4Z5WKq2oig
— Chuckit (@ChuckitUK) March 30, 2018
TV favourite, pet influencer and veteran police dog hero, Finn for Change boasts an impressive 17,000 social media followers and is no stranger to being on camera with recent stints on National TV.
Owner Dave has revealed what he is looking for in the winning shot from this year’s canine competitors: “We are thrilled to have been asked to be on the judging panel for this year’s Chuckit! Challenge as myself and Finn are huge fans of Chuckit!. Finn likes to think of himself as the ultimate Chuckit! enthusiast, so we definitely know what we are looking out for and hope to see some creative and high energy shots of dogs who look like they are really enjoying themselves!”
To find your nearest stockist, see http://chuckit-toys.co.uk or to learn more about the Chuckit! Challenge 2018, visit http://chuckit-toys.co.uk/blog/ChuckitChallenge2018
A Merseyside woman whose dog suffered with an injury that left half his face missing has been banned from keeping animals for the rest of her life.
Eight-year-old German Shepherd-cross Lenny had a gaping 10cm wound that left a hole on the side of his face, extending from his ear to the corner of his mouth.The wound had maggots inside it and veterinary evidence suggested the dog had been suffering for weeks.
However, when Theresa Dixon (DOB 1.2.60) took Lenny to a vet on 31 May this year, she claimed the wound had only appeared in the previous half an hour. Lenny was put to sleep by the vet to prevent him from further suffering.
Dixon, of Boundary Road, Birkenhead, today (4.12.17) appeared at Wirral Magistrates’ Court when she was handed a lifetime ban on keeping animals and given a 20 week custodial sentence, which was suspended for two years.
She was also told she must carry out a two year community order, including a 20 day rehabilitation activity requirement, 60 hours of unpaid work and pay £500 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.
Dixon had been convicted in her absence at a previous hearing of one offence of causing unnecessary suffering under the Animal Welfare Act.
Veterinary evidence concluded that the wound was probably self-inflicted by Lenny who was scratching his ear because of an infection.
RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes said: “The wound was extremely severe and it extended under the skin 3cm, 5cm and 10cm at its deepest – half of his face was literally missing. The fact that there were maggots inside it suggests it had been there much longer than the half an hour as claimed by Dixon.
“Lenny would have been in excruciating pain. His condition can only be described as a catalogue of neglect. Not only did he have a large, gaping hole on his face but his ears had traces of e-coli and faeces inside them, and his fur was long and matted.
“Around that time we were having a spell of warm weather and poor Lenny would have had that long, matted coat during the heat. He would have been so uncomfortable.
“When I interviewed her, Dixon said that when she first noticed the wound she cleaned it with a solution of white vinegar and water which she read about on the internet – but something like this needs to be treated by a vet. It is not acceptable to treat an animal yourself using advice from the internet when a vet is clearly the best option for the animal.
“The pain and discomfort he must have felt would have been just unimaginable.”
Watch the moment this hero stray dog intervened to save a woman from a would-be mugger. The courageous canine is seen sitting in the middle of the street when the mugger pounced. Not only did the daring dog chase the mugger away, he even went back to see if the frightened woman was ok after the ordeal.
Not all heroes wear capes!
A British Military Working Dog (MWD) who helped save the lives of troops in Afghanistan has received the prestigious PDSA Dickin Medal* – the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
Mali, a Belgian Malinois, has been recognised for his heroic actions during a highly sensitive military operation in 2012, where he assisted an assault force in securing a key enemy stronghold.
The medal was presented by the UK’s leading veterinary charity, PDSA, on Friday 17 November – the 100th anniversary of the charity’s inception. A presentation ceremony, held at The People’s Palace, London, was attended by Mali and his current handler, Corporal Daniel Hatley.
Mali’s ‘awesome ability and determination’ were praised by PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, who declared the dog ‘an incredibly worthy recipient’ of the medal.
The globally famous medal was introduced by PDSA’s founder, Maria Dickin CBE, in 1943. It is the highest award any animal can achieve while serving in military conflict. Mali’s PDSA Dickin Medal is particularly unique because it bears a commemorative ‘Centenary’ bar, to mark its presentation on the charity’s 100th birthday.
Eight-year-old Mali, who is attached to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC), is trained to sniff out explosives and detect insurgents. His expertise during one particular operation was vital in helping the UK forces and its allies secure a key enemy stronghold amid sustained fire.
About Heroic Dickin Medal Winner, Mali
MWD Mali, was part of a British military unit deployed to Afghanistan in 2012. During his tenure, Mali assisted in an operation to secure an enemy stronghold, situated in a multi-storey building. The significance of his actions during this seven-and-a-half-hour mission saw him perform above and beyond the call of duty on numerous occasions.
Mali was sent through direct fire on two separate occasions to conduct searches for explosives. He also indicated the presence of insurgents numerous times, giving the assault force vital milliseconds to engage the enemy in close quarter combat.
During the operation, Mali was hoisted up the outside of the building several times to provide the assault force with a key foothold to attack the insurgents.
In the melee that took place, the assault force sustained casualties. Mali was also seriously injured by three grenade blasts: the first two explosions caused injuries to his chest, front and rear legs. A further blast detonated close to his face, causing the loss of Mali’s front tooth and damage to his right ear.
Despite his injuries, Mali continued his duties and pushed forward, remaining close to his handler. He played a key role in breaking the stalemate that had begun to develop in the building, providing impetus for the host nation and UK forces to continue to fight and bring about a successful resolution.
Mali displayed outstanding courage in the face of fire. There is no doubt that his actions throughout the operation were pivotal in the success of breaking an enemy stronghold, helping to save multiple lives and prevent further injury.
Mali’s gallantry and devotion to duty makes him a worthy recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal.
Mali’s handler at the time, whose identity has been protected for security reasons, was awarded a gallantry medal for this action during the operation.
After receiving emergency treatment for his injuries, Mali returned home from Afghanistan, where he made a full recovery.
Although retired from front line duties, Mali continues to work at the RAVC’s Defence Animal Centre in Leicestershire, where he and his current handler, Corporal Daniel Hatley, help to train new dog handlers.
What Mali Did To Earn The Dickin Medal
Commenting on Mali’s PDSA Dickin Medal, the charity’s Director General, Jan McLoughlin, said: “Mali has displayed a truly awesome ability and determination to seek out explosives and insurgents during a key operation. To achieve this while exposed to close combat and such intense enemy attack, makes him an incredibly worthy recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal. It is even more poignant that we were able to make Mali’s award today on our charity’s 100th birthday.”
Corporal (Cpl) Daniel Hatley trained Mali as a puppy before he was deployed to Afghanistan to work with another handler, whose identity cannot be revealed for security reasons. Cpl Hatley and Mali are now reunited to work together again, based at the Defence Animal Centre in Melton Mowbray. Commenting on Mali’s honour, he said: “I am extremely proud of Mali. The way he conducted himself when it mattered most enabled my colleagues to achieve success in close combat. Being awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal recognises Mali’s vital role within the force that day.”
Lieutenant Colonel Abby DuBaree from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps said: “Mali’s PDSA Dickin Medal is extremely well deserved. Stories like Mali’s are sobering to read and help to demonstrate the key role that animals continue to play in our armed forces. Mali joins our distinguished roll of honour for Royal Army Veterinary Corps animals who have received the PDSA Dickin Medal. We are exceptionally proud of him. That this medal has also been bestowed by PDSA on the charity’s 100th birthday makes this honour even more special.”
Brigadier Roly Walker, Head Army Strategy and Colonel Commandant of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) said: "As long as we’ve had soldiers, we’ve had animals; and I think we always will have them.
“Today’s award of a PDSA Dickin Medal to Mali recognises this unique bond. It comes as the Royal Army Veterinary Corps prepares to mark the centenary anniversary of its Royal Charter, a reflection of the historic service and heroism of military working animals and their handlers in war.
“The medal also recognises the tremendous innovations the Corps has made in selecting already high-performing animals and then using cutting edge technology to enhance their working abilities. The result is world-class combat teaming between human, animal and technology, with each part augmenting the inherent abilities of the other. This sort of sophisticated teaming is essential to us being combat ready and able to meet the constantly shifting challenges we face, whether on operations overseas or here in the UK.”
The PDSA Dickin Medal is a large, bronze medallion bearing the words “For Gallantry” and “We Also Serve” all within a laurel wreath. The ribbon is striped green, dark brown and sky blue representing water, earth and air to symbolise the naval, land and air forces.
Mali is the 69th recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal. Recipients include 32 dogs (including Mali), 32 World War II messenger pigeons, four horses and one cat. For more information about the medal and its recipients, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/dickinmedal
The presentation ceremony was held within The People’s Palace, east London, just a few yards from the site of PDSA’s first ever permanent dispensary, on Harford Street.
Yesterday we brought news that MPs had voted to deny dog sentience as an enshrined law. The Dogs Trust has joined the RSPCA to criticise the move along with those politicians who have spoken out in favour of protecting animal sentience within British law as the UK votes on new laws once withdrawal from the European Union is complete.
The charity statement reads:
Dogs Trust express disappointment at lost opportunity as MPs vote against including animal sentience in the EU Withdrawal Bill negotiations
Dogs Trust warns there is a real risk of animal welfare laws slipping in the UK as MPs voted not to include animal sentience in the EU Withdrawal Bill on Wednesday evening. This is a huge blow for animal welfare as this would have ensured that these obligations, currently in EU law, would have been recognised in UK law after Brexit.
Although the UK is currently a country with some of the better animal welfare standards in Europe, when it comes to animal sentience – the capacity to feel, perceive, or experience – the UK has no legal instrument other than Article 13 of the EU Lisbon Treaty*, which states that animals are sentient beings.
Dogs Trust Veterinary Director, Paula Boyden, comments:
“Animals are sentient beings whose welfare should be protected. We need to ensure that this principle is retained in future UK legislation after we leave the EU otherwise there is a risk to our animal welfare standards. The current EU requirement to fully consider animal sentience obliges policymakers to pass progressive animal welfare laws and is important for ethical reasons as well as to protect animal welfare. We are a nation of animal lovers and we implore Government to remember this as we exit the EU.”
Caroline Lucas MP who raised the amendment last night comments:
"Yesterday’s decision by the Government to vote down my amendment on animal sentience really was disappointing. This change would have guaranteed that animals don’t become collateral damage in the Brexit negotiations – and it’s a real shame it was rejected. I know that animal lovers will be concerned by this setback, but there’s still a chance that the House of Lords can change the Bill – and enshrine animals sentience into British law."
Dogs Trust now strongly urges the House of Lords to take forward the issue of animal sentience when the EU Withdrawal Bill is debated there, most likely early next year.
Further reading:
What does Brexit mean for puppy farming & other animal welfare law?
Like casting a pebble into a pond, every single World Animal Day event causes a ripple effect leading to many more events being held the following year.
And this year is no exception! News of World Animal Day and its mission to raise the status of animals continues to spread and reach an ever increasing number of people in all corners of the world.
Trending on social media in 25 countries and online media articles highlighting this special day, all helped raise awareness of animal welfare issues.
Celebrities such as Rohit Sharma, Ricky Gervais, Dia Mirza, Eesha Rebba, Carolina Marin, Diana Penty, Kristin Davis, Cesar Milan, Jane Goodall, Simon Cowell, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Evanna Lynch, Michael Monroe, and Bill Bailey, to name but a few, came out in force to speak up for animals. Countless animal-related organisations and publications also helped tremendously to direct traffic to World Animal Day.
www.worldanimalday.org.uk/events is proud to showcase some of the hundreds of inspiring events that took place this year to celebrate this special day. Here is just a snapshot so please visit the website for more:
Every year events are held to plant seeds of compassion in the hearts of the younger generation as they are our main hope for a brighter future for the animals.
Here are just a few – In Lithuania, a class discussion was held aimed at highlighting how important it is to be a responsible animal carer. In Ivory Coast, MAEP organised a children’s drawing contest to raise awareness of the many animal welfare issues in Africa.
In Serbia a childrens art competition, concert, and awards to recognise the contribution of individuals to improving animal welfare. In Spain, three days were dedicated to celebrating animals with a whole host of fun-filled educational activities for school children.
In South Africa, Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary shared a fun day of educational activities with 50 children. In Turkey, school children had great fun making houses for stray cats in their neighbourhood.
In India, the JBF Society held two, free anti-rabies vaccination and pet health check clinics.
In the UK a whole host of events took place including events in schools, a family fun day residents of Southampton were invited to participate in an event to raise awareness of animal issues through a series of fun and educational activities for all the family. A vigil was held at Huntingdon Life Sciences to remember the animals that have suffered behind the closed doors of this testing laboratory.
Every year in Cochabamba, Bolivia, a wonderful mass is held, to which pets are invited, to remind people of their obligation to care for the country’s animals.
In Sri Lanka, the Otara Foundation chose to focus on animals that are robbed from their natural habitat and deprived of freedom for man’s commercial benefit. In the USA, ‘Roar for Tony the Tiger’ has become an annual event. Tony has lived all of his seventeen years as a roadside attraction in Louisiana.
In Egypt, 120 VIPs attended a conference at the Greater Cairo Library with well-respected guests speaking up for the country’s animals.
In Liberia a massive celebration was held bringing together over 2,000 children, animal carers, stakeholders and community leaders to raise awareness about the plight of the country’s animals.
In Syria, the Ministry of Education has agreed add images of different Syrian wild animals to the front of biology text books with information about them on the back page.
In The Gambia a march was organised and attended by government departments, stakeholders, animal welfare oranisations and students. It was followed by speeches and plays by children which demonstrated a real understanding of local animal welfare issues.
In Yogyakarta, Indonesia, an online campaign was held focusing upon why it’s important to be a responsible pet guardian.
In Kurdistan, Iraq, KOARP, winners of the 2016 World Animal Day Grant, will be following up training carried out earlier this year, holding a seminar, and gaining media attention for animals.
Many cities hold marches to draw attention to animal welfare issues. One such march was held in Medellín, Colombia, calling for the government to ban bullfighting in the country.
Every year, countless radio and TV interviews are conducted on and around World Animal Day which help to raise awareness on a massive scale.
A street campaign organised in Pelembang, Sumatra, Indonesia, caught the attention of a nationwide radio show resulting in the organisers being invited to participate in an hour long interview. In Malawi, All Creatures CEO and World Animal Day Ambassador appeared on national TV to discuss animal health issues and highlight the objectives of World Animal Day. In the US, World Animal Day featured in a television talk show, A close-up look at animal welfare issues.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina activists launched an appeal to government imploring them to honour the fur farming ban that is due to come into force in January 2018. Forty-six World Animal Day Ambassadors have expressed their support for this action. The country’s children say no to fur farming.
What you have read here is a tiny snapshot of what happened around the world to draw attention to animals in honour of World Animal Day on October 4.
This powerful movement, that grows each year, is helping to make the world a better place for animals – a world where they are always recognised as sentient beings and full regard is always paid to their welfare.
We encourage everyone who reads this to Get Involved next year and help raise the status of animals.
Ruby is a very bouncy Labrador Retriever cross who became part of the Guide Dogs family at seven weeks old almost two years ago. Now she’s ready to head out into the big wide world and next month she will meet her new owner.
To mark National Guide Dog Week, Forthglade, who have been sponsoring Ruby, commissioned a short video diary of her to highlight guide dog puppy training, everything that it involves and how these incredible dogs transform the lives of a blind or partially sighted person.