The Animals Matter to Africa Pilot Project launched in Cape Town on 4 October 2014. A long-term project designed to build political support and awareness for animal welfare across Africa; making this a priority issue which African Governments can no longer ignore. African countries were encouraged to stage the first ever event for all species of animals on World Animal Day, 4 October 2014, as a graphic demonstration of the extent to which animals matter to Africa. The clarion call of World Animal Protection’s Universal Declaration of Animal Welfare, “Animals Matter!”, was – and will increasingly be - used as the uniting slogan and sentiment on the lips of every animal lover in Africa. The project, supported by targeted lobbying for national and international objectives, was initiated in Africa, and designed to improve the awareness, policy, and practice of animal welfare across the continent. Participants, as a united front, were asked to champion the Pan African Animal Welfare Alliance (PAAWA)’s cause to highlight the plight of Africa’s animals and to urge authorities to endorse the UDAW, introduce strategies to improve animal welfare, and to implement the World Organisation for Animal Health’s international Animal Welfare standards. Report on the launch of the project in South Africa - Cape Town: Organisers: United Front 4 Animals (UFA) and The Emma Animal Rescue Society (TEARS). On World Animal Day, 4 October 2014, the first ever Animals Matter to Africa (AMTA) parade and festival for all species of animals was staged in Cape Town. The lead AMTA Parade in Cape Town was colourful and marchers loudly proclaimed that “Animals Matter”. Lead by African Drums, and three giant puppets (the Lion, Springbok Prince and the Horned Prince), marchers followed decked out in Animals Matter T-shirts, animal mascot heads, ventriloquist puppets, animal costumes and masks, carrying a wide variety of messages on placards and banners for all to see. Much awareness was raised, hundreds of pictures taken by bystanders, and educational AMTA flyers distributed along the way. Our message was heard far and wide. At Parliament we handed over our memorandum to Mr Fundisile Mketeni : Deputy Director-General Biodiversity and Conservation: Environmental Affairs and Dr Tembile Songabe: Director Veterinary Public Health, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Mr Mketeni addressed the crowd at Parliament and undertook to hand it to Minister Molewa, and Dr Songabe shared some of the Government’s future plans with the audience at the festival. The AMTA Festival followed. Held at Green Point Park, it was well attended - also by many Capetonians who use the Park, passers-by, and those reached via promotional material, radio interviews and an appearance on national television. Numerous food vendors and Animal Welfare organisations set up stalls to raise awareness and funds, and Coca Cola made sure all could quench their thirst on a hot October day. Entertainment was interspersed with educational slots by way of presentations and poetry. It was a resounding success, focused/poignant awareness raised, and fun was had by all. The Animals Matter to Africa pilot project was launched successfully! Nikki Elliott (on behalf of UFA & TEARS)
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 02:49:15 +0000
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