A voice for the four-legged
HELP University launched its eighth AniHELP (Animals and HELP) with the theme “The Pawfect Help” on April 4.
This anti-animal cruelty awareness campaign is aimed at creating understanding and appreciation among HELP staff, students and the public.
AniHELP is the sole initiative of public relations students of HELP Matriculation Centre (HMC) and is jointly organised with the non-government organisation Lost Animal Souls Shelter (LASS).
It is aimed at rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming stray animals in dire distress, as well as educating members of the public on the importance of neutering dogs.
This would reduce the number of strays and abandoned puppies who end up on the streets.
Its ultimate mission is to empower and educate the community on the importance of domestic animals in need of a home, so that they are able to control and manage the stray population.
This year, the AniHELP organising team with chairperson Emy Melisa Mansor put together an exciting programme, with dances and a magic show to keep the crowd entertained.
The K9 Unit of the Royal Malaysia Police, which trains service dogs to assist the police, played an active role.
German Shepherd Rambo and Labrador Brit, displayed their expertise and ability to follow orders of their handlers and the crowd was thrilled by their demonstration at close quarters.
According to their dog handlers, K9 dogs provide an essential service in fighting crime as they can sniff out drugs and track down suspects.
During the demonstration, the K9 German Shepherd was given the opportunity to attack an intruder and its ferocity amazed the audience.
AniHELP 2018 was launched by Faculty of University Foundation Studies dean Dhanesh Balakrishnan, AniHELP ambassador Thanuja Ananthan, Interpet Malaysia founder Ryan Leong and LASS treasurer Kavindran Ganesan.
Interpet Malaysia conducted a pet wool accessories workshop, which saw a participation of staff and students who diligently worked to create their own wool accessories like keychains and badges.
“We look at the world and all we see is cruelty around us – wars, natural disasters, poverty and even, animal cruelty,” said Dhanesh.
“Recently, cases of animal cruelty have been escalating at an alarming rate. What more, little is being done to help curb these acts of cruelty.
“At HMC, students have initiated AniHELP to do their part and provide a voice to these silent or helpless creatures.
“This is also our way of expanding learning outcomes of our students with an emphasis on a holistic education.”
Chairperson of the student organising committee Emy Melisa, in her speech, thanked the students for their dedication and commitment towards the project and said they had raised funds for LASS.
“I thank LASS for having given us the opportunity to visit their premises and see how the dogs and puppies are looked after.
“We took many pictures and created an exhibition for members of the public on AniHELP Day,” she said.
Lecturer in charge of AniHELP, R. Murali Rajaratenam, said the foundation students displayed their leadership skills in organising the event.
“HELP believes in organising programmes that create empathy and also nurture youth animal activists that can stand up not only for the oppressed but also those who cannot speak for themselves and I do believe after visiting the shelter, the students have a greater understanding of the challenges faced by shelters,” said Murali.
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