UFAW 2018 explores animal welfare across borders
Around 200 distinguished scientists, animal experts and renowned veterinarians discussed the latest developments in global animal welfare at the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) 2018 conference from 25 to 26 October at City University of Hong Kong (CityU).
Under the theme “Animal Welfare Across Borders”, the 2-day conference was spearheaded by the Centre for Animal Welfare of CityU’s Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences (JCC); UFAW, a UK-based independent charity that promotes animal welfare through scientific and educational activities; and the Ministry of Primary Industries of the New Zealand Government.
At the event, international speakers and top scientists covered four session themes on various aspects of animal welfare, one of the four core elements of the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine programme at JCC.
At the opening ceremony on 25 October, Professor Way Kuo, President of CityU, said JCC would become a regional centre for excellence in championing One Health. Dr Huw Golledge from UFAW regarded CityU as the best place in Hong Kong to hold such an event as JCC and UFAW share the same vision to advance animal welfare.
Mr Philip Yung Wai-hung, Permanent Secretary for Food and Health in the Hong Kong SAR Government, said JCC was a milestone in spearheading veterinary education in Hong Kong. He extended his gratitude to CityU for providing a platform for leading experts to share their ideas and experience about animal welfare.
In his opening remarks, Mr Carl Worker, New Zealand Consul General for Hong Kong, said animal welfare was an important global issue, adding that participation in related international meetings allowed us to learn from others and share our experience at local and global context.
Dr Howard Wong Kai-hay, Director of the Centre for Animal Welfare at CityU, said CityU was honoured to host this prestigious conference, saying it placed Hong Kong and CityU in a great position to advocate animal welfare across the region.
Other distinguished guests included Mr Lester Huang, Council Chairman of CityU, Dr Leung Siu-fai, Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department in the Hong Kong SAR Government, Mr Yau Siu-kei, Assistant Commissioner of the Hong Kong Police, Dr Thomas Sit Hon-chung, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, and Dr Johnson Chiang, President of the World Veterinary Association.
Representatives from the Hong Kong Police Force and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department delivered talks on government initiatives for preventing animal cruelty and promoting animal welfare.
The 26 speakers and 30 poster presenters at the conference, including experts and scholars from universities from every continent, explored current and future applications of animal welfare, animal welfare systems, education and policy.