A Short Brief From The Editor

A Short Note From Our Patron

Chairman's Note

Towards A Responsible Pet Ownership

Johore Animal Welfare Week

Cat Festival

Seminar on Nipah Virus

The Nipah Virus

Notice of 2nd AGM

Cat Festival

A ten-day 'Cat Festival 1999' was organised by Koperasi PKNS, Shah Alam for members of the public. The Festival was jointly supported by MNAWF, Feline Society of Malaysia, Majlis Kebajikan Masyarakat Selangor, Hill's Science Plan and Radio Tiga Shah Alam.

The objective of this Festival was to create public awareness on responsible pet ownership and pet therapy. A talk on responsible pet ownership was presented to educate the public on the subject and in the hope that people will stop the irresponsible practice of 'dumping' or discarding unwanted pets at markets or waste disposal sites which has resulted in an abundance of stray animals on our streets. Pet owners were instructed on needs of their animals and their responsibilities towards them.

Pet Therapy programmes were conducted for the residents of some welfare homes during the Festival. The residents were provided pets to take care of and play with. Through such programes which have proved successful in the past, it is hoped to stir public interest in pet therapy as a means of relieving stress and depression commonly faced by people, while at the same time encouraging human - animal interaction.

MNAWF's participation in these activites was to complement the work of other non-governmental organisations in order to move forward collectively towards creating a caring Malaysian society.

Visitors to the event were greeted with the following exciting programmes:

• Exhibition of artifacts on various species of cats and live cat shows by Feline Society of Malaysia

• Information on proper care of pets and needs of pets.

• Lecture and demonstrations on cat grooming for cat contests/shows

• Recording session with residents of welfare homes carried out by Radio Tiga, Shah Alam

• Colouring/drawing contest, cat mimic contest, cat costumes contests, cat cage decoration contest, followed with entertainment by popular local artistes.

• Pet Therapy Programme involving cats, conducted for residents of selected welfare homes.

• Cat Show judged by expert from France.

The event was very succesful, attracting hundreds of Klang Valley residents, including school children. MNAWF Chairman, Dato' Dr. Mohd Nordin bin Mohd Nor officiated at the closing ceremony of the festival.