Pet Interaction Carnival
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MNAWF and UPM - Kolej Mohamad Rashid and the Veterinary Faculty, held a Pet Interaction Carnival for the public on Saturday, January 20 from 10 am to 4 pm at KMR, UPM, Serdang. Guest-of-honour at the Carnival was MNAWF Patron, Yang Mulia Dato' Paduka Toh Puan Seri Di Raja Noor Aini Binti Datuk Abdullah. Among the other distinguished guests present were the Dean of UPM, Prof. Dato' Dr. Sheikh Omar Abdul Rahman and Chairman of MNAWF, Dato' Dr. Mohd Nordin bin Mohd Nor.

The main objective of the Carnival was to promote the human-animal bond, presenting the public an opportunity "to get to know pets better" through interaction. In line with our education and awareness program for schools, special emphasis was placed on children and youths with invitations issued to students from the University's various faculties and schools in the vicinity.

There were not only several types of pets to interact with but also different breeds - hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, cats, dogs and exotic birds or Ayam Serama - brought in for the Carnival by the various pet clubs and a pet shop. The UPM students were kept busy helping the children to have fun, carrying and playing with the animals.

Many also enjoyed the cat grooming demos, dog obedience training demos and talks on pet care. The groups that conducted these activities were the Feline Society of Malaysia, Malaysian Cat Club, Malaysian Kennel Association and Dragon Serama Farm Sdn. Bhd.

To encourage participation among children, a Drawing & Colouring Competition on pets was held for students from four schools. Winners were awarded prizes during the closing ceremony of the Carnival.

We will continue to work with UPM and other organizations to carry out more pet interaction events and will also include such programs during national animal welfare week this year.