Animal lovers hold fund walk

By Amorganda A. Saludar

CEBU CITY October 9 (PIA) -- The Animal Welfare Week here from October 1-7 was observed with week-long activities aimed at promoting animal welfare and a harmonious relationship between humans and animals. This year's theme is “Animal Welfare: Taking the Next Step in Strengthening an Animal – Friendly Community.” 

Department of Agriculture (DA) 7 Animal Welfare Regional Coordinator Dr. Verna Lagriam said this was that the national observance of the event kicked off in Cebu City with a fun walk that was attended by hundreds of animal-lovers. 

“We made sure that the opening salvo of the celebration would have great impact to the public and made people aware of animal welfare,” Lagriam said. 

Participants to the 1st Animal Welfare Fun Walk on September 30 included employees of region 7 government agencies such as Department of Agriculutre, which spearheaded the event, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) -7, members of academe, NGOs and pet owners. 

Part of the opening salvo also included poster-making and slogan-making writing contest, onsite registration and verification of participants for the Animal Welfare Walk. 

The week-long activities were also held in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental such as the animal welfare forum for poultry and hog raisers, free veterinary clinic, mass and blessings of pets, spay and nurture day, livestock emergency guidelines training, and avian exhibit. The celebration was concluded with an “October Pets” and Bird Show.(FCR/AYS/PIA-7, Cebu)