On 29 February 2024, faculty and students at CityU came together to organize a remarkable event called PetPower, showcasing their commitment to the greater good of the university community. This event, which brought together students, staff, and external professionals from renowned organizations such as the SPCA, Animals Asia, KAKATO, SCOPE, and Professor Paws Inc., aimed to promote animal welfare, strengthen community bonds, and raise awareness about responsible pet ownership.
PetPower succeeded in fostering a sense of unity among attendees, not only between the university and the participating organizations but also in their relationships with the animals present. The event provided a valuable opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of animal welfare and recognize the importance of pet ownership across a broad cross-section of society.
The event featured vibrant stalls where enthusiastic BVM students donned their quiz master hats, engaging attendees with fun and informative questions about animal welfare. The campus came alive with the presence of dogs, reptiles, energetic tortoises, and other captivating creatures, each granted entry after their IDs were pawfully checked.
The success of PetPower was made possible through the collaborative efforts of various departments, including the university's Student Development Services, who worked with Dr. Howard Wong , Director (Development for Veterinary Medicine) at JCC, and his dedicated team.
Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a range of activities. Educational workshops, interactive sessions with rescued animals, and informative talks by experts in the field like Dr. Laurenz Hippman, Dr. April Fong, to name a few. These activities not only enhanced participants' understanding of animal welfare but also fostered empathy, compassion, and a greater sense of responsibility towards pet ownership.
PetPower not only emphasized the significance of animal welfare but also served as a catalyst for building stronger bonds within the university community. The event created an environment of unity and collaboration, highlighting the collective efforts towards a shared goal of Well-being and the human-animal bond.
As the event concluded, participants left with a renewed appreciation for animals and a deeper understanding of their role in creating a more compassionate society.
Given its profound impact and the overwhelming response it garnered, we hope PetPower will become a regular fixture on the university's calendar, providing a platform for the CityUHK’s community to come together and promote animal welfare for years to come.
