Inside Asian Gaming’s parent company, O MEDIA, will announce Wednesday morning that it is offering a full day off for any O MEDIA staff member volunteering to walk abandoned dogs at the Canidrome.
O MEDIA Chief Executive Officer Andrew W Scott revealed the incentive following a public call from Macau organization MASDAW – the Macau Association for Stray Dogs and Animal Welfare – for volunteers to walk some of the 533 greyhounds left abandoned when the former owners of the dog racing track, Macau (Yat Yuen) Canidrome Co Ltd, vacated the premises on Saturday.
“As a former greyhound owner I was very saddened to hear of the plight of these over 500 greyhounds at Macau’s Canidrome,” Scott said. “It hasn’t been good publicity for Macau but to see the community pull together to help these dogs in this way is great. We at O MEDIA are happy to help in whatever way we can and we hope other companies also encourage their staff to volunteer.”
O MEDIA is encouraging other Macau companies to offer the same incentive for staff to help these former racing dogs as they look for new homes.
MASDAW, with the support of Macau’s Civil and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM), is seeking volunteers until 31 July to spend time with the greyhounds during one of two shifts each day – from 09:00 to 12:00 each morning and from 15:00 to 18:00 each afternoon.
The dogs’ cages will be thoroughly cleaned and meals prepared while the dogs are being walked.
MASDAW describes the opportunity to walk the Canidrome greyhounds as a “truly heartwarming experience” with the dogs possessing a “sweet and friendly personality.”
“It’s a unique experience,” MASDAW said. “This is an historical victory. Be part of history. You’ll feel very proud and rewarded!”
Volunteers can contact MASDAW by sending a WhatsApp message to +853 6288 1228 including ID documentation, phone number and availability. IACM will provide all volunteers with sunscreen, water, towels and raincoats if required.
As reported by IAG earlier this week, Macau’s Civil and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM), which took control of the Canidrome site on Saturday, has announced that the former owners will be fined between MOP$20,000 (US$2,475) and MOP$100,000 (US$12,370) for each of the 533 greyhounds abandoned under the Animal Protection Law. That could equate to a fine of more than MOP$53 million (US$6.56 million).
