ANIMAL ADVOCATE GOES THE EXTRA MILE Over the month of August, animal advocate Ethan Alderlieste, 17, will attempt to row a massive 310,000 metres, the equivalent distance of SH1 from Blenheim to Christchurch, to raise money for animal charity Marlborough Dog Pawz and Fur Ever Homes NZ. Why are you such an animal champion, what makes animals special? Animals love you unconditionally. Their value to humans is exceptional and powerful. They provide comfort and emotional support, companionship, therapy and friendship and in return, they rely on us to care for them, to ensure they have food, water and shelter and more importantly love. If you could wave a magic wand, what one thing would you change regarding animal welfare in New Zealand and why? That there was more value placed on an animal’s life, that there was more education around caring for animals and there was so much more support for the agencies who care for the abused, neglected and abandoned animals. What pets did you have growing up and what are some of your favourite memories? Throughout my childhood, my family fostered a wide variety of animals - cats, dogs, goats, everything! I think some of my favourite memories would be raising
bobby calves when I was in primary school and seeing what work needed to be put in to become responsible owner.
over New Zealand! Not only pets but also on dairy farms, factory farms (chickens, pigs etc). It’s just incredibly overwhelming.
In your opinion, what makes someone a good pet owner?
If you could remove one animal from the endangered species list, what would it be and why?
If someone is looking at adopting a pet, they really need to deeply think about the huge responsibility they are taking up. The exciting thought of owning an animal can overrule the truth of large responsibilities and therefore people rush into adopting without knowing what they’re signing themselves up for. This is where the sad neglect comes into place as owners finally realise the huge responsibility.
This is a hard one - so many! Whales, especially now that Japan has re-started commercial whaling!
A good pet owner in my opinion is someone who deeply cares about others - someone who is willing to put their pet before themselves in any situation. You also need to know your schedule to understand if you have any time and constant energy to be caring, for example daily walks, playing and continuous love. Is enough being done to protect our pets and animals from abuse and neglect?
To donate to Ethan’s cause, visit givealittle.co.nz/Ethan+Alderlieste
No. Because there are animals suffering all
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