Paws for thought
Children celebrate World Animal Day in North Cyprus
CHILDREN around North Cyprus celebrated World Animal Day on Tuesday. Pupils from primary and nursery schools held events to raise awareness of the importance of protecting animals.
They also shared the message that pets should not be seen as a product that is merely “bought” but should be made part of the family.
Children also visited dog shelters to donate tins and bags of dog food and left food and water outside their homes for strays.
Events were held at schools such as the 23 Nisan Primary School in Girne, where members of the Golden Paws Association animal charity were invited as guests.
Meanwhile Kyrenia Animal Rescue (KAR) shared a message to mark the day, which said: “The theme of this year’s World Animal Day is ‘a shared planet’.
“The aim and mission is to ‘raise the status of animals, in order to improve welfare standards around the globe’.
“World Animal Day is a special opportunity for anyone who cares about animals to make a difference, especially for those animals who share our own small corner of the planet with us.
“Although the day is dedicated to becoming more aware of the needs of all animals, at KAR our passionate aim is to improve the lives of stray, abandoned and homeless cats and dogs. To do
this we need your help.”
KAR said that people can support it by sponsoring, adopting or fostering one of their centre cats or dogs, puppies or kittens; by donating food, bedding, toys or money; by supporting the KAR shops and going to KAR charity events;
and by visiting the KAR rescue centre to spend time with the cats or walking a dog. “As well as caring for the cats and dogs at the centre, we have cat neutering programmes, and we are working
with other animal charities to set up dog neutering programmes,” KAR added.
“As you can imagine our vets’ bills are immense, as is our food bill. Anyone who is handy with a hammer or a computer would also be much appreciated! ‘Each of us can make a difference, together we can make change’.”