Lesson from man's best friend
Hong Kong-based charity Animals Asia Foundation (AAF) has launched a large-scale education programme after the exposure of animal abuse incidents over the past few months.
In a shocking case, a dog named Pan Pan, whose legs had been crudely cut off when it was a puppy, was found in a Yuen Long rubbish dump last week.
The 'Dogs Making a Difference' campaign is a joint effort by the AAF, government departments including the Hong Kong Police and Customs & Excise Department, and private organisations.
Education kits containing leaflets, posters and a VCD, Dr Eddie: Friend or Food, will be distributed to schools and youth groups. The leaflets and posters promote responsible ownership and proper pet care.
The VCD urges people not to consume dog meat. The animal welfare group also hopes the campaign will discourage people from buying fur products.
'Many people don't realise they are actually wearing the fur of dogs and cats,' said AAF founder and chief executive officer Jill Robinson at the campaign's launch ceremony at Olympian City in Tai Kok Tsui last week.
'Some of the products are labelled as fake fur but they are actually made of real fur from dogs and cats.'
Ms Robinson said most of these products, such as hair clips, hair bands and coat decorations, are imported from the mainland. 'You can find these products everywhere and they are cheap. Millions of dogs and cats are brutally slaughtered every year for their fur. Be a smart shopper, don't buy any fur,' she said.
The AAF has produced 50,000 anti-fur cards to be included in the education kits. The cards are also available at Olympian City.
Ms Robinson said the leaflets and posters will be available at all police stations and Lush shops.
She said dogs and cats are more than just pets.
The launch ceremony was attended by dogs who work for the police, the Customs and Excise Department and the Correctional Services Department.
Also present were Dr Eddie and Dr McDull, who are members of the Dr Dog programme run by the AAF.
'Given the animal cruelty cases in the past few months, it's time for everybody to work together and educate the public,' Ms Robinson said. 'The purpose of the campaign is to tell people that dogs and cats are important members of society that can contribute significantly to our daily lives.
'Today, dogs work their hearts out as guide dogs for the blind; hearing dogs for the deaf; police and army dogs; sniffer dogs searching out bombs, narcotics and illegal wildlife products or people lost in landslides, avalanches and earthquakes. They risk their lives for us. The least we can do is to show them our respect.'
Dr Dog and Professor Paws are two key programmes run by the AAF. 'Our Dr Dog animal therapy programme now sees over 250 volunteers and their dogs visiting hospitals, elderly homes, orphanages and special schools,' Ms Robinson said.
'Under Professor Paws, children are taught to love dogs and animals.
'More and more people recognise that being friends with dogs and cats is good for us.'
Ms Robinson said the AAF will be organising more talks and school visits.
