5

th Companion Animal Symposium Launched

Since 2006, Animals Asia has been organizing

Companion Animal Symposiums in cities

across China, including Guangzhou, Chengdu

and Changsha. From 22nd to 24th May 2015,

the 5th China Companion Animal Symposium

was held in Shenzhen. This Symposium was

hosted by Animals Asia and co-hosted by Hu-

mane Society International, and covered lec-

tures, discussions and study tours. More than

200 people attended, including government

officials, experts, scholars and leaders from

animal protection associations both at home

and abroad.

The first day focused on "The importance of compulsory mass dog vaccination, and rabies preven-

tion and control", which saw the involvement of more than 50 disease control experts and govern-

ment officials from across the country. The second and the third day, saw the focus on "Campaign,

Fund-raising and Outreach for Success", aimed at improving attendees programme operation abil-

ity.

China Cat and Dog Welfare Programme (May - June, 2015)

Professor Tang Qing from Centre for Disease Control introduced solid data behind the issue of

rabies outbreaks in China, highlighting the importance of compulsory mass dog vaccination, and

rabies prevention and control. Joann Lindenmayer, Senior Manager, Disaster Operations for the

Humane Society International, and Jill Robinson, founder and CEO of Animals Asia, introduced

the success experiences of the USA and India in eliminating human rabies.

Ms. Tang Qing is giving a speech

Mr. Ma from Agriculture Department

is answering questions

Day Two was aimed at providing a communication and learning platform for Chinese animal pro-

tection associations. Ninety six representatives were involved in a robust discussion on successful

campaigns, effective promotions and fund-raising. Bianca Fischer, Global Fund-raising Director,

Animals Asia, introduced fund-raising best practice and practical tips when working with major

donors.

Bianca from Animals Asia

Pushing forward the introduction of a national Animal Protection Law is key in the working direc-

tion for many NGOs in China. Ms. Chen Yumin from Environment and Animal Society of Taiwan,

who has devoted herself to animal protection for more than 20 years, shared the rich experience of

Taiwan in introducing an Animal Protection Law in 1998, and in the improvement of this law. Dur-

ing this whole process, the government and Taiwan people were faced with, and frustrated by, sig-

nificant problems, many of which are similar to the problems faced by mainland China. Their ex-

perience of overcoming these difficulties serves as a good reference and was a great encourage-

ment to the animal protection associations in mainland China.

Representatives are visiting HK SPCA

On May 24th, representatives vis-

ited HK SPCA and further deep-

ened their understanding of the

advanced management and opera-

tion experience of shelters. The

clean environment and profes-

sional expertise of working staff

and volunteers deeply impressed

all representatives. The end of the

study tour brought the symposium

to a successful close.

Representatives were extremely impressed by the symposium and told us that they appreciated

our efforts in holding such a pracrical meeting, where much was learned.

In order to improve the welfare of companion animals in China, and to help domestic NGOs im-

prove their work and promote better communication, Animals Asia holds our China Companion

Animal Symposium every two years. We believe that NGOs who care about small animals, will

develop as the main power to foster the establishment of a harmonious relationship between hu-

man and animals, and arouse people’s awareness in caring for the disadvantaged, starting from

small animals.

Release of the In-depth Investigation Report of China’s Black Chain Industry of Dog Meat

In June, Animals Asia released four

in-depth investigation reports of

China’s dog meat industry. This

series of investigations lasted for

four years and exposed massive

amounts of illegal operations in-

side the dog meat industry, rang-

ing from the source, transportation,

slaughtering and selling. These four

reports were:

Animals Asia report No. 1-Lies,

illegality and stolen lives- a true crime story (2011-2014)

Animals Asia report No.2- The black market for dog and cat meat in China- Media reports 2001-2015

Animals Asia report No.3- China’s rural dogs in crisis

Animals Asia report No.4- Survey of public attitudes to dog and cat eating in China

https://www.animalsasia.org/intl/media/news/news-archive/chinese-dog-meat-trade-uncovered.html

Our reports released on Sina Weibo attracted

heated comments

Communication and Support with Various Cities on Dog Ownership Management

Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Con-

servation Department

On 27th May, we visited Hong Kong’s Agricul-

ture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, and

had a face-to-face communication with senior

vets and a senior field officer. As the Hong Kong

authorities enjoy years of working experience in

dog ownership management and a successful

and close cooperation with animal protection

organisations, we wished to introduce this col-

laboration and our experiences to dog ownership

management departments and local animal pro-

tection associations in mainland China.

When released, this combination of investi-

gative reports won massive support from

people in different walks of life, and be-

came a hot topic on the Internet in China .

The relevant Weibo enjoyed more than

12,000 reposts and more than 2,000 com-

ments. The relevant Wechat message en-

joyed more than 10,000 reads. The relevant

reports and reposts of newspapers and

magazines reached sixty. Media such as

Guangdong and Chengdu TV also reported

the content of this investigation. Within

three weeks, Animals Asia received more

than 130,000 signatures from netizens all over the world supporting the end of the black indus-

try chain of dog meat.

Meanwhile, we handed the open letter “Animals Asia’s Appeal on Strengthening Regulations

and Banning the Illegal Black Chain of Cat and Dog Meat” to relevant government departments

of China, including governments of the Guang Xi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Yulin city. In

the open letter, we expressed our concerns surrounding the consumption of dog meat; includ-

ing food safety, social security and disharmony, public health issues, and public opinion issues

that were involved in this black chain industry of dog meat. The letter hoped that the govern-

ment could strengthen their supervision and end this industry. We also appealed that those in-

volved stop such practices.

Relevant media reports

Staff of Animals Asia and HK AFCD

Love Smile Angel Animal Care Centre

On 28th May, we visited the Guangzhou Love

Smile Angel Animal Care Centre. In order to en-

sure the welfare of the resident cats and dogs,

they run a strict control on the actual number of

rescued animals, and work hard in an endeavour

to re-home them. Our intention is to lay a solid

foundation of helping animal protection associa-

tions and rescue centres such as this by visiting

them and keeping track of their work.

Nanchang Small Animal Protection Association

In May, Animals Asia sponsored the reconstruction of the Nanchang Small Animal Protection As-

sociation. In June, we learned that the rebuilding was nearly completed, and included the follow-

ing:

1. The fence previously destroyed by the dogs had been strengthened.

2. 5 awnings and 1 shed had been built for the convenience of both dogs and people.

3. 200 square metres permeable brick paving had been laid to address the muddy problem

of the yard, further reducing the risk of skin disease affecting these dogs.

(It was decided that if cement only were laid, that in the hot summer the surface of the cement

ground would be too hot, while permeable brick could keep a relatively cool ground temperature

and at the same time reduce the standing water on rainy days.)

For details, see the Weibo of Nanchang Small Animal Protection Association：

http://Weibo.com/p/2304186d402c120102vr7d

Before rebuilding the road After rebuilding the road

Yantai Stray Animal Rescue Station

With summer coming, most dogs in the

rescue station were struggling with the

heat. To address this, we donated many

shavers for the station so that the dogs

could have their fur shaved for a cool

summer. We also donated hundreds of

dog beds to the dogs in the hope that

they could sleep well.

Wuhan Small Animal Protection Association

In April, we visited Wuhan Small Animal Protection Association. During the visit, we learnt that

this Association also needed dog beds and shavers. This month, we donated 10 shavers and 100

dog beds to the Association. In this way, we hope that the dogs can enjoy a more comfortable

summer.

Dog before shaving Dog after shaving

Before rebuilding the fence After rebuilding the fence

Old wooden dog beds New plastic dog beds

Jixi Animal Protection Association

In April, Animals Asia funded Jixi Animal Protection Association with rabies vaccines. They sent

photos as feedback in May. Most of the dogs in the shelter are now vaccinated.

Trap Neuter Release (TNR) Sponsorship Project for Stray Cats

Shanghai TNR Project

By the month of June, the Shanghai TNR project, sponsored by Animals Asia, had seen new pro-

gress with 10 cats desexed. During the TNR, a little kitten who was trapped in a concrete wall was

discovered by local volunteers of the FN team who reported their discovery to the Shanghai po-

lice . As a result, the kitten was saved and is now recovering.

Shi Jiazhuang TNR project

In June, the One Metre Love

team (Yi Miai) in Shi Jiaz-

huang sent us their feedback,

advising that 6 cats had been

desexed, and have since been

enjoying good health. This

project will continue.

Policeman and volunteers are helping the cat A cat is waiting for surgery

the stray cat is now desexed and

enjoying the outdoors

Volunteers trap a cat

in a cage outdoors

Guangzhou:

May 1st -3rd was the In-

ternational Labour Day

holiday, and our Dr Dogs

opened a holiday public

education stand at the

“Dream Market” along

the Pearl River of Guang-

zhou. Animals Asia’s

stand was crowded with young people who lined up to take photos with our dogs and hug

them. However, our Dr Dogs did not show up just for posing but were there to spread the

concept of animal welfare and caring for animals to the general public. When the crowd

learned that our Dr Dogs visit elderly homes and special schools to bring happiness and

laughter to people in need, they all gave a big thumbs up. Children were also attracted to our

souvenir sale at the stand where many beautiful handicrafts were handmade by our volun-

teers!

Highlights of the Dr Dog and Professor Paws Activity

In both May and June, Animals Asia carried out 42 Dr Dog visits, 14 Professor Paws lectures and 20

rounds of public education in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Hong Kong. The Dr Dog visits

covered more than 2,000 people, and the Professor Paws lectures and public education benefitted

over 3,000 people.

On June 27th, Dr Dogs and volunteers went to Foshan Creativity

Park for a “Summer Family Carnival”. The booth of Animals Asia

was crowded with children and parents who wanted to make

friends with our fluffy“Doctors”. When participating in our quick-

answer game, children were very excited to show people how much

they knew about cat and dog welfare. The winner was rewarded

with our souvenir. For those who didn’t win, they were still happy

because our Dr Dogs were available for cuddles the entire time.

Both children and parents had so much fun.

Chengdu:

May 8th was the open day of the Affiliated High school of Peking

University Chengdu Weiming School. Professor Nini was invited to

give a lesson to the students and their parents from Grade five on

how to correctly get along with dogs. It wasn’t the first time that

the students had met with Professor Paws, and they quickly got

along together very well. However, many parents had never heard

of Professor Paws until they saw Nini and, together with their chil-

dren, they learned how to greet a strange dog, and understand why

dogs can easily win people’s hearts .

On June 17th, Chengdu

Professor Paws visited Af-

filiated High school of Pe-

king University Chengdu

Weiming School. When

our Professor Apollo trot-

ted into the classroom, the

class exploded with excite-

ment! Since it was a paint-

ing class, Apollo served as their little model. However, finishing a piece of artwork takes so

much time, so the students just took a photo of him and completed the work with their pho-

tos later.

Shenzhen:

“Professor Paws” came to visit students of

Shenzhen Pingzhou Primary school on a

lovely sunny day in May. Parents spoke

highly of our Professor Paws: “This activity

is very meaningful, both children and par-

ents can learn how to care for animals, and

we can even know how to get along with

real dogs. It’s important for the kids to

build up a good understanding about

dogs.”

On June 28th, Shenzhen Dr Dog visited Bao’An Welfare Centre. The children had been long-

ing for another visit from our dogs. Apparently, they were very impressed by our last visit, and

could still even remember some of the dogs’ names! Yueyue, a little blind girl, was very nerv-

ous when she was invited to touch the dog at the beginning, but our volunteer Ms Yan took

her dog Dr Duoduo near to Yueyue, and encouraged her to reach out.

Ms. Yan said, “She cannot see, but I want

her to feel the warmth of the world. Slowly,

Yueyue became relaxed and ready to talk.

She even held Duoduo’s leash and walked

him for a while. This small change means

that Yueyue felt the warm touch from the

outside world.”

Ms. Yan and Duoduo , with Yueyue

Social Worker Ms Vivian Mak said, “Dr Dogs have brought so much fun to our elderly. The eld-

erly living here are not very good at remembering things, but they can remember the dogs

names even though they have only met them once. This explains the subtle relationship be-

tween dogs and humans. Dr Dogs can encourage late-stage dementia patients to smile and

say short sentences. Only by stroking or combing the dogs’ hair, or watching dogs play with

other people, can this stimulate the elderly and offer them contact with the outside world. ”

Hong Kong：

On the afternoon of 18th May, some of our Hong Kong Dr Dogs visited the Jockey Club Cen-

tre for Positive Ageing. Both the elderly and our Dr Dogs walked amongst the gardens, after

which the volunteers sat down and shared interesting stories of their dogs’ life with the resi-

dents. The centre is a place offering dementia patients daily care and training and our Dr

Dogs have been visiting their for a continuous 10 years. ”

In the afternoon of 8thJune, 5 Dr Dogs and volunteers visited Heep Hong Society – Wan Tsui

Centre. By playing with the dogs, and learning how to walk them and comb their hair, the

children got to understand and practice the correct way of getting along with the dogs.

“We mainly serve children with autism or devel-

opmental disorders from 2-6 years old. Because

children who have autism are not interested in

communicating, we hope to help them contact

the world by the dogs’ visits. Some of the chil-

dren here started to show interest to the outside

world after they interacted with Dr Dogs, and they

are willing to learn new things and have their so-

cial skills improved. ”

National Public Education Campaign

In May, we delivered relevant promotional materials to

Nanchang Small Animal Association for its cycling activ-

ity.

In April, we delivered promotional materials to

Nanchang Small Animal Protection Association for

their “Be a healthy foodie and say no to eating cat or

dog meat” cycling activity. In May, we received posi-

tive feedback and Jiang Xi TV channel 2 reported this

event. The link is here:

http://www.goldia.cn/article/1505/25/1708184327.html

In June we received feedback from the Love Club of Ocean

University of China. They conducted an activity themed:

“care for stray animals and keep yourself safe” to inform

students of the living status of stray animals and to

strengthen people’s awareness in protecting and caring for

strays. Against the backdrop of some stray animals hurting

people, they also taught students how to protect themselves

from being hurt when trying to get along with animals.

We delivered promotional materials to Jia Ying University of Meizhou city, Guangdong prov-

ince, the Comfort Home for stray animals in Beng Bu, Anhui province, the Animal Protection

Association of Hefei and the Small Animal Rescue Centre of Xuzhou.

At last we thank all of our volunteers for

continuously supporting our work!

Animals Asia China Cat and Dog Welfare Team

Animals Asia HK Dr Dog and Pro Paws Team

May and June, 2015