A two-day conference on animal welfare started here Friday to explore the plight and problems facing wild, domesticated and endangered species across Asia.

Co-hosted by the Animals Asia Foundation and the Society for Prevention of Cruelties to Animals (SPCA) Hong Kong, the conference attracted attendees from 15 different countries with 50 organizations represented from all over Asia.

Debating on what is needed in Asia to realistically reflect the needs of the animals themselves, the participants will discuss rabies control, companion animal overpopulation, live animal markets and the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the use of animals in traditional medicine, caring for populations of street dogs and cats and how local animal-protection groups can improve their working relationship with the government.

Opened by Hong Kong legislator David Chu Yu Lin and attended by government officials, veterinary surgeons and animal welfare activists, the conference created chances for attendees to listen, learn and share solutions and ultimately inspire a better future for animal protection in Asia.

(Xinhua News Agency September 6, 2003)