Hong Kong Charity Run Breaks World Record for Mass Dog Kissing
Hong Kong witnessed a heartwarming spectacle on December 21st as the “Citywide SUNNY & ZANDER Charity Challenge Run” took place at Pak Shek Kok Promenade Park. The event, organized by the Hong Kong Police Force’s “Animal Protection Community Ambassador” program, drew an notable turnout of nearly 1,000 people and over 500 dogs, all united in their support for animal welfare.
But the event wasn’t just about the run. A truly unique moment unfolded when 333 participants simultaneously kissed a dog, officially setting a new Guinness World Record for “most people kissing a dog at the same time.” The scene was a testament to the deep bond between humans and animals.
Police Commissioner Xiao Zeyi emphasized the importance of animal protection, stating, “The police focus on intelligence collection and professional investigations into cases of cruelty to animals, and encourage the public to take the initiative to report cruelty to animals.”
He further highlighted the “Animal Protection Community Ambassador” program, launched in 2021, which collaborates with various animal welfare organizations to educate the public. The program’s expansion into schools has seen over 420 participants, including 39 primary and secondary schools and kindergartens, fostering a culture of animal care from a young age.This year, the program received support from City University, with 30 veterinary students acting as “Animal Protection Seniors,” making it the frist police program spanning pre-school to higher education.
Commissioner Zeyi concluded with a powerful message: “animals are always man’s best partners, friends and family members. We must protect animals and respect life.”
A diverse array of canine companions joined the fun, including popular breeds like Poodles, Shiba Inus, Corgis, Akitas, and Pekingese, alongside retired police dogs. The event showcased the widespread support for animal welfare in Hong Kong and the power of community engagement in promoting responsible pet ownership.
This heartwarming event resonates with similar animal welfare initiatives across the globe, including numerous charity runs and awareness campaigns in the United States that promote responsible pet ownership and animal protection.
Hong Kong Sets World Record for Mass Dog kissing: An Interview with Dr. Samantha Chen
Sarah Jenkins, senior Editor, world-today-news.com:
Welcome, Dr. Chen. Thank you for joining us today to discuss this heartwarming event in Hong Kong. For our readers who might have missed the news, can you give us a brief overview of what happened?
Dr. Samantha Chen, Veterinary Ethologist:
Certainly! On December 21st, the Hong Kong Police Force organized an event called the “Citywide SUNNY & ZANDER Charity Challenge Run”. It wasn’t just a regular run, though. Over 300 people simultaneously kissed a dog, setting a new Guinness World Record for “most people kissing a dog at the same time”. It was a truly unique spectacle, and a fantastic demonstration of the affection people hold for their canine companions.
Sarah Jenkins:
That’s astounding! Not only was it a fun event, but it also raised awareness for animal welfare. What do you think this kind of event does for the animal protection movement?
Dr. Samantha Chen:
I think these events play a vital role in fostering a culture of compassion and respect for animals. When people see such an outpouring of love for dogs, it softens hearts and encourages them to think about how they can contribute to animal wellbeing.It also shines a spotlight on organizations like the Hong Kong police’s “Animal Protection community Ambassador” program, which is doing amazing work in educating the public and preventing cruelty to animals.
Sarah Jenkins: You mentioned the “Animal Protection Community Ambassador” program. Can you tell us a little more about that?
Dr. Samantha chen: Absolutely! It’s a interesting initiative launched in 2021. They work with various animal welfare groups, but what’s really inspiring is their outreach to schools. They have over 420 participants from primary, secondary schools, and even kindergartens.
By engaging children at a young age, they’re instilling empathy and responsibility towards animals, which hopefully will translate into lifelong ethical treatment of animals. It’s also great to see them collaborating with City university, involving veterinary students as “Animal Protection Seniors”— truly making this a program spanning from preschool to higher education.
Sarah jenkins: That’s truly remarkable. This event in Hong kong seems to reflect a global trend of growing concern for animal welfare. Do you see this kind of activism gaining momentum worldwide?
Dr. Samantha Chen:
Absolutely. We’re witnessing a shift in consciousness around the world. People are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of treating animals ethically. We’re seeing more charity runs, awareness campaigns, and legislative changes aimed at protecting animal rights.
Events like the one in Hong Kong serve as powerful reminders of our connection to animals and inspire us to create a more compassionate and just world for all living beings.
