One of the most effective means of raising awareness on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership is through educational talks and campaigns. And last, September 5th, CARA was able to further promote its causes through a partnership with the University of the Philippines.
Held at the UP CMC Auditorium, the event dubbed as “PEThics: Fostering Animal Welfare in the Campus” was organized by the Collegiate League for Animal Well-Being and Security in UP (CLAWS UP) and the UP Department of Journalism to help raise awareness about animal welfare in the country. Several animal organizations like PETA Asia Pacific and Animal Kingdom Foundation were also invited.
A range of topics about animals have been discussed during the forum. Professor Lucia Tangi, Chairperson of the Journalism Department, opened the talk with a number of hilarious cat jokes. But the laughter in the auditorium was replaced with a sombre mood when a video shown by CARA was presented. A before-and-after slideshow of CARA’s rescued cats and dogs tugged at everyone’s heartstrings. The video, although quite lonely at the beginning, took a turn toward happier notes when images of rehabilitated rescued strays were shown.
Ms. Vimla Mansukhani, CARA Committee Head for Education, emphasized the importance of looking at the grassroots to completely solve problems regarding animal abuse and cruelty. CARA President, Ms. Nancy Cu Unjieng, opened the eyes of the forum’s participants with humane ways of controling animal population through a discussion of the TNR system. AKF’s Atty. Heidi Caguioa later discussed the laws concerning animal welfare. And Mr. Roland Arciga, Chief Veterinarian of AKF, talked about how rabies can be transmitted and cured.
The forum was filled with discussions of useful information and tips on how to take care of animals in need of medical care and attention. It’s safe to say that PEThics was quite successful and it can just beginning, the first step towards educating the citizens, one student forum at a time.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Mahatma Gandhi