2010 Regional Summit Highlight: The "Year of The Cat"

The 2010 Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies were successfully delivered in four locations across Canada during the week of April 19. And, according to delegates who attended the Vancouver, Edmonton, Halifax or Toronto events, the Summits provided education, inspiration and excellent value.

Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien's presentation in Edmonton and Halifax met with rave reviews. Dr. O'Brien presented a synopsis of the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA's 2008 special promotion called "The Year of the Cat."

"Technically speaking, 2008 was the Year of the Rat," said O'Brien with a smile, "But we thought it would be fun to put a different spin on it, change it to 'Cat', and build a public awareness campaign around it."

The purpose of the very successful year-long event was multi-fold:

• Make people aware of the nation-wide cat overpopulation problem
• Help people understand the cat over population problem in their community
• Educate people about the various misconceptions about cats
• Encourage various community groups to work together (I.e. vets, shelters, rescue groups, etc.)
• Encourage community leaders to "step up to the plate" and become part of the solution.

Want to learn more about how you can connect with other thought leaders in the companion animal industry? Check out the International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies to be held at Lake Louise, Alberta, 13 - 16 October 2010.

Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor