Special Valentine's Day celebration for the love of animals

Mumbai, Feb 14 (UNI) Animal lovers across the city have an opportunity to celebrate the season of love with their pets at a special gathering - 'Walk of dog owners' with their four-legged companions' - on February 17.

The event has been organised by NGO 'Brand One' at Shivaji Park as part of its social responsibility initiative.

Anoopama Mukherjee of Brand One, in a release here today, said, ''The event has been organised for all animal lovers to show their love and compassion for the animals. This animal love camp is all about creating a platform for animal lovers to come together and share their smiles, worries, concern and thoughts on how we can make a difference in the lives of our most adorable companions.'' The camp aims to address demands for upgradation of basic animal care facilities such as rescue, hospitals, ambulance and cremation.

The pet owners will be educated to abide by BMC sanitary bye-laws.

The event would also shed light on issues like strong revised laws, the need to empower animal welfare and protection, to sensitise young minds towards animal welfare. Easy accessibility of helpline numbers in information directories and ready availability of anti rabies vaccines.

The active involvement of the government in terms of funds and support to NGOs is the need of the hour. Greater involvement of the corporate sector is required to uplift animal welfare and care facilities. Empowering citizens to curb malpractices and animal abuse is required too.

The event will include tarot card reading by Shirley Bose and felicitation of police dog squad for their efforts in maintining security of the city and assistance during disaster management.

Bollywood stars John Abraham, Dia Mirza, Isha Kopikar, Boman Irani and model turned actor Brinda Parekh, will grace the occasion and lend their support to the cause with their presence, the release added.

UNI