Serdang, 8 April - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Universiti Putra Malaysia, in cooperation with Royal Canin and Malaysian Veterinary Medical Association (MAVMA) had successfully held Animal Behaviour and Welfare Day 2023 at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Auditorium. The programme which featured two in house speakers (Dr Syamira Syazuana binti Zaini and Dr. Kavindaran Krisnasamy) and an invited speaker Prof. Katherine A. Houpt from Cornell University, USA, aimed to highlight the importance of understanding animal behaviour in the effort of enhancing animal welfare. The program was officiated by YBhg. Dr Rohaya Mohd Ali representing the Department of Veterinary Services.

The program had almost 400 participants, consisting of veterinary academia, veterinary industrials, and our very own veterinary faculty students. This is in line with the government effort to bring awareness to all parties regarding animal welfare and requirements that need to be fulfilled as responsible animal owners. “The faculty believe we can do more in protecting the animals, relieving animals from sufferings, and to promote and increase the public's understanding of animal welfare through Animal Welfare Fund UPM”, mentions YBhg. Dato’ Prof. Dr. Mohd Azmi Mohd Lila, the Dean of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UPM.

Through recognizing normal and abnormal behaviour in animals, we may further promote the animals’ health and well-being so they can live happy and healthy lives. This can be achieved through the fulfillment of the 5 principles of animal welfare freedom. “This includes freedom from hunger, freedom from fear, freedom from stress, freedom from pain and freedom to express natural behavior.”, explained by YBhg. Dr. Rohaya Mohd Ali, Senior Director, Division of Veterinary Public Health. The program’s success is owed to the participant’s cooperation and enthusiasm.

Date of Input: 14/04/2023 | Updated: 11/05/2023 | m_nazmi