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UPDATE ON PAST ACTIVITIES,

National Animal Welfare Week 2000

Our first National Animal Welfare Week was officially launched on 23 July 2000 by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Datuk Dr. Mohd. Effendi Norwawi, in conjunction with MAHA 2000 at Stadium Putra, Bukit Jalil. During the ceremony, the Minister also launched two Special Souvenir Covers issued by Pos Malaysia Berhad to commemorate the animal welfare week. The Covers, in two designs, are on sale at Pos Malaysia branches.

The purpose of National Animal Welfare Week 2000 was to create public awareness on responsible pet ownership and the utilising of animals to help build a caring and healthy Malaysian society. With the MAHA Show it also jointly promoted good husbandry practice in farm animals as an important component of animal welfare.

We organized several presentations for the launch ceremony to provide insight on how animals can be utilized to effectively assist humans and in particular, the therapeutic effects of animals on humans. Participants included the Police Dog Unit, Feline Society of Malaysia, Malaysian Cat Club, Malaysia Kennel Association, Anthony Thanasayan, Cheshire Home and Selangor Polo & Riding Club. Among the presentations was a demonstration by the Police Dog Unit on how dogs help in the detection of drugs kept in bags and boxes, and human-animal interaction presentation by the Feline Society of Malaysia aided by residents of Cheshire Home with cats. The excitement in the stadium increased when The Selangor Polo & Riding Club brought in horses for their Riding for the Disabled program providing therapy for the physically disabled. The presentations formed the highlights of the event and were enjoyed by all the guests. To cater specially for children during animal welfare week, we conducted a Drawing & Colouring Competition entitled "Fun Pets" and "My Pet Is Our Family Member" in five primary schools for a total of 1,250 children from standard 1 to 6. The 10 best artists received their prizes from our patron at the launch ceremony.

Other activities organized for the public throughout the MAHA Show from 22 to 30 July included animal shows/exhibitions, equine activities and livestock displays by the Department of Veterinary Services and the various animal clubs and a static display by Zoo Negara. All of these, we believe, will serve to increase the level of public awareness on the value of animals to society and our responsibilities towards them.

We are sincerely grateful for the efforts and support of all who contributed to the success of National Animal Welfare Week 2000. We would also like to take this opportunity to specially thank all our members who assisted on the project.

During the launch the Minister of Agriculture gave reassurance of his Ministry's full support towards our future activities. Together with the relevant authorities and organizations, we aim to hold animal welfare week on an annual basis and introduce it in other states in the country as well.