Contact: Erin Schrieber
Tel: 0437 414 329 or 02 9288 4993
Email: eschrieber@ifaw.org

Animal Action Week 07: Emergency relief for animals worldwide

(Sydney, Australia, 26 September 2007) – IFAW today announced the 15th annual Animal Action Week. The world’s largest animal focused education event will take place during 1-7 October, encompassing World Animal Day on 4 October. This year the week will be themed “To The Rescue: emergency relief for animals” and aims to raise awareness of how natural and man-made disasters affect animals across the world.

More than two million people from 15 countries participate in IFAW’s Animal Action Week each year. During Animal Action Week IFAW launches a new theme with educational materials distributed free to schools and youth groups. The education packs - geared toward students aged 8-13-include a DVD, teacher's guide with activity pages for students, a large wall calendar/poster and more. More than 1,000 Australian schools will receive the IFAW Animal Action Week materials this year.
 
"This year's theme highlights the need for emergency relief for animals as well as people when disasters strike," said Mick McIntyre, Director of IFAW Asia Pacific.
 
"For the people caught in tragedies such as bushfires, earthquakes or floods, rescuing livestock, pets and local wildlife is a vital part of the their recovery."
 
During the week IFAW Asia Pacific will announce the winners of the prestigious IFAW Action Awards, with six unsung heroes around Australia set to receive a special award for their outstanding efforts for animals.
 
“It is important we recognise and applaud the efforts of dedicated wildlife carers and emergency response workers who rescue, rehabilitate and relocate animals affected by natural disaster,” he said.
 
While attention is focused on the first week of October, IFAW encourages people to continue participating in Animal Action Week activities well beyond those seven days.
 
A photographic exhibition at Customs House in Sydney will feature stunning images from IFAW’s past emergency rescue operations across the world.

For more information, please visit www.animalactionweek.com.au.