The Animal Protection Society Inc. (APS) of Samoa has launched a new Community Awareness Programme which aims to promote awareness about responsible pet ownership.
The slogan for the programme is ‘Pets are Family’.
Prior to the launch, APS ran a slogan competition to get ideas from the community for a catch-phrase to spearhead the awareness program.me Sixty-six entries were submitted.
The winner of the slogan competition was also announced in the launching which is Aniva Clarke.
One theme recurred throughout these varied entries and this was around the idea that pets are just like part of the family. ‘We realized that family is such an important part of Samoan culture and people who love their pets tend to think of them as part of the family’ said Dr. Macfarlane.
It was APS’ wish to promote this idea and get more people to start to think of their pets as part of the family
APS Chairperson, Dr. Joan Macfarlane explained that ‘a responsible pet owner makes sure their pets have the things they need to lead a healthy and happy life.’ Dr. Macfarlane went on to explain that APS is trying to encourage pet owners to ensure their pets’ 5 basic needs are met. The 5 basic needs are 1) food and water; 2) shelter; 3) vet care; 4) de-sexing; and, 5) play and companionship. ‘If we are able to provide these things for our pets they will be loyal companions and easier to look after because they won’t get sick as often’ said Dr. Macfarlane.
The APS Community Awareness Programme was made possible through funding provided under the U.S. Embassy’s small grants programme. The grant has enabled APS to produce radio advertisements and a series of educational brochures in both English and Samoan.
There are also t-shirts and tote bags displaying the slogan ‘Pets are Family’. These materials will be used for community education over the next few months at community events in Apia as well as in villages on Upolu and Savaii.