Dogs have their day

Just as freedom, movement and socialising are basic needs for humans, so too are they fundamental for animals.

An educational campaign, Walk Your Dog Day, aimed at raising awareness of the importance of walking one's dog, was recently organised by Yelp For Help, the voluntary non-profit-making organisation that supports animal shelters, sanctuaries and carers of stray cats and dogs.

The aim of the activity was to promote responsibility among dog owners, meaning vaccination, neutering, spaying and microchipping pets, as well as to raise awareness on the importance of exercising dogs.

Exercise was vital for their mental and physical well-being - if they were in the wild, they would be energetically running around. Lack of regular exercise also frustrated dogs, making them difficult to control and a nuisance to owners, Yelp for Help pointed out.

Hundreds of participants, including children, teenagers, parents and grandparents, flocked to Buskett Gardens but could only participate with their dog's signature - its paw print.

The event also targeted pupils in the hope of ensuring that tomorrow's generation of dog owners would be aware of animal welfare. It took the form of a treasure hunt, where participants were given a set of clues, games and treasures to collect along three paths in the gardens.

All 84 participating groups were kept busy for hours, answering questions and trivia related to animal welfare and pet care tips, as well as environmental and historical questions on Buskett Gardens.

Following the treasure hunt, Etnika gave a workshop on the Maltese tanbur and a demonstration of other traditional Maltese instruments.

The event was set up with the contribution of Royal Canin, Bank of Valletta Young Savers Account, Kit Kat, Kinnie, Vogue Labels, Playmobil, UV Screen Printer, Toyland, BDS Ltd, Snoopy's Bar and Restaurant and Sonlit Ltd.