Getting yappy for the dogs

Local residents in the Bondi community have been getting involved in a series of ‘Yappy Hour’ campaigns throughout April aimed at raising awareness over the culling of dogs worldwide.

Launched on March 28 at the Bondi Pavilion, Yappy Hour is an initiative run by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), a charity organisation that seeks to promote long term-solutions for animal welfare.

The campaign features Bondi Rescue’s Andrew Reid, Australian supermodel Nikki Phillips and a host of other celebrities who were keen to bolster awareness about animal cruelty.

Working as a lifeguard on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Andrew Reid firmly believes in the significance of animal welfare.

“I think the culling of dogs is an important issue. Most of the Bondi Rescue team have dogs and feel for the same cause,” he said.

“Dogs are so close to my heart, I’ve grown up with them… everybody has been touched by a dog in their lives.”

Collarsnotcruelty.org is one of the initiatives of this program, with all funds raised going towards the prevention of rabies through the proper immunisation of dogs.

Mr Reid believes that support from the community can only help us address issues like animal cruelty and help to achieve change worldwide.

“It’s only $10 for a collar to save a life…but you’re doing much more than that,” he said.

“[It] will go a really long way to save a sick or dying dog in another country, and they all deserve a chance.”

Local resident and director of Portobello PR, Charlie Boyce, believes that the Yappy Hour campaign is one that will also appeal to the wider community because it allows people to meet up and spread the word about animal cruelty.

“It’s a nice way to get everyone together from the community and engage on important issues. Dogs are a massive stress relief. I wouldn’t wake up at 6:30 in the morn for anything else”.

Carmel Molloy, the CEO of WSPA Australia, believes that Yappy Hour is great for bringing together family and friends in the local community.

“Yappy Hour offers a wonderful opportunity for every Australian animal-lover”, she said.

“People can have fun and raise money and awareness for a hugely serious situation.

I hope Yappy Hour becomes an Australian institution and that thousands of dogs are saved as a result.”

The campaign will be running over the next two months, finishing on Thursday, May 31 this year.

By Daniel Paperny