UPM Dogathon 2008 Acknowledged in Malaysia Book of Records

The gathering of 611 dogs at UPM Expo Hill in Dogathon 2008 hosted by UPM Faculty of Veterinary Medicine’s Zoological Club has succeeded in being acknowledged in the Malaysia Book of Records as the “Biggest Dog Gathering in Malaysia” last August 10.

SERDANG, August 14 - The gathering of 611 dogs at UPM Expo Hill in Dogathon 2008 hosted by UPM Faculty of Veterinary Medicine’s Zoological Club has succeeded in being acknowledged in the Malaysia Book of Records as the “Biggest Dog Gathering in Malaysia” last August 10.

Themed “AEROSPACE – Astronaut, Asteroids, Astrodogs...Woof off!” the program gathered 1500 spectators from all walks of life.

Dogathon 2008 Program Director, Yew Ee Ling said the program also received participation from Petpositive Society, an NGO with members of the handicapped and senior citizens using pets to aid their daily lives.“NGOs including Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Progressive Animals Welfare Society (PAWS), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Malaysian National Animal Welfare Foundation (MNAWF) are also involved in the program,” she said.

Ee Ling said a total of 39 exhibition areas have been erected by the organizer and the NGOs in exhibiting canine products and services including canine nutrition, clothing, beddings, bags and accessories.

She added that the program aims at inculcating values of responsibility of pet owners and to raise funds for charity work, “Pro-Kasih”, a catch-neuter-release program and also to raise public awareness by teaching professional veterinary knowledge to the public.

First-timer British participant, Debbie Fitch said the hosting of Dogathon 2008 has given her a prized experience.

“My two children and I have brought along our three dogs, Husky, Pimms, and Sammy to contest in two categories, the Space Race and Fastest Eating Duo,” she said.

The program which suceeded in polishing skills of teamwork, leadership and communication among students has been officiated by UPM Boards of Directors Chairman, Tan Sri Syed Jalaludin Syed Salim.

Also present at the event was UPM Deputy Vice Chancellor (Industry and Community Relations), Prof. Dr. Tai Shzee Yew, UPM Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Dean, Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmad Fateh Mohamad and Petpositive Chairperson, Anthony Thanasayan.

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