As we welcome in the Chinese New
Year of the Dog, we have a golden opportunity to implement lasting change
for the millions of dogs and cats in Asia who have been suffering for too
long. Working to inspire new attitudes to companion animals, we are now
seeing a massive groundswell of support from people across China who share
our belief that dogs and cats are our friends...not food or fur. With the
attention of both the local and national press within China and the
international press focussing on the plight of dogs and cats. Dr. Eddie and
Jill were part of the cover of new Guangzhou magazine "Citizen" - speaking
out about our programmes to help our four legged friends, whilst also
ensuring that their plight is never forgotten.
Building on the success of our "Dr. Dog" animal therapy programme in Chengdu
(which now sees over 300 professional dog "doctors" in 6 countries in Asia
visiting those in need), we are
launching Dr. Dog in the southern city of Guangzhou (the dog and cat
eating capital of China) where we have just opened an Animals Asia office.
We are working tirelessly on new initiatives with animal lovers across the
country to give dogs and cats a "voice".
One of the loudest voices is that of ex-market dog "Eddie"; Eddie's journey
from "meat dog to Dr. Dog" is being told through the
Animals Asia film "Dr. Eddie - Friend...or Food?" The film sees Chinese
celebrities, doctors and even a chef, expressing disgust at dog eating and
praising the unconditional love and companionship that dogs and cats give.
An amazing 88,000 copies are in distribution with 41,000 video education
packs of the film snapped up by pet clubs, schools, universities and local
animal welfare groups. An influential pet magazine "Pet Life" will circulate
another 47,000 copies across China in their March 2006 issue. Meanwhile
lifesize boards of Chinese mega star Richie Jen (who dubbed Eddie's Mandarin
voice in the film), are being distributed in Chengdu and Guangzhou, further
promoting our positive message! You can
watch a trailer online.
Building on the buzz that the distribution of the film has created amongst
Mainland Chinese animal lovers, we are proud to announce that we will be
hosting the first ever China Companion Animal Symposium in Guangzhou.
Government officials and 50 leaders from countrywide animal groups will be
joining together for the first time to address the many problems dogs and
cats are facing in China, and we will be encouraging everyone present to
raise their voices even louder and call for the end of dog and cat
consumption and the equally despicable trade in their fur.
Additionally, Animals Asia is working hard on the political front: taking a
stand at recent meetings with the Chinese Embassy in the UK and Government
Departments in Guangzhou to keep dog and cat eating on the agenda. We also
met with Heather Mills-McCartney in London to convey the positive message to
her and Sir Paul that there is an exploding number of people in China who
care just as passionately about dogs and cats and there is hope for change.
AAF investigators continue to monitor animal markets in China and the
changing dynamics of this horrendous trade. Regular trips enable us to
catalogue abuse and target areas where action is desperately needed, whilst
increasing our understanding and progressing solutions to the sensitive
issue of dog and cat eating.
We support a local veterinary group in
Koh PhaNgan, Thailand, who are running a spay, neuter, release programme,
reducing the risk of rabies and providing vital free veterinary services in
an area where there have been none.
Animals Asia’s Dr. Dogs brand new role as professors:
‘Professor Paws’ teaches Chinese primary children about the importance
of companion animals; compassion for all living creatures; safety around
dogs and responsible pet care. The programme has gone from strength to
strength and to date 1,258 children have graduated as Professor Paws Pet
Cadets!
Please help us to continue our vital work, giving dogs and cats their voice
as our friends and helpers and ensuring that every year can be the Year of
the Dog!
|
 |
 |
|
Dr. Eddie & Jill - cover story in Guangzhou magazine "Citizen" promoting
dogs and cats in the Year of the Dog |
| |
 |
|
Cats in a market |
| |
 |
|
Animals Asia Dr. Dog Educational Pack that is seeing 10's of 1,000s
being distributed across China! |
| |
 |
|
Professor Paws Pet Cadets in the making! |
| |
|
