VIC GROUP Takes Part in the First All-Russian Forum on Responsible Treatment of Animals

The First All-Russian Forum on Responsible Treatment of Animals was held on 17 September at the RBC Event Centre in Moscow. It was organized by Nika, a charity foundation helping homeless animals, and supported by the Presidential Grants Foundation. The event brought together over 600 representatives of government authorities, business, the scientific community, NGOs, the media, etc. The event’s purpose was to develop systemic solutions for animal protection and building a culture of responsible treatment of animals.

Over 15 topical sessions held as part of this event were dedicated to:

• humane treatment of animals and infrastructure development;
• outreach projects and nurturing consideration toward animals;
• resolving the problems of homeless animals and animal cruelty;
• pet-friendly urban planning and veterinary care.

Experts of VIC GROUP, Russia's biggest manufacturer of veterinary products, took part in the forum and shared their experience, presenting the industry's perspective on the key issues.

Anastasiya Goretskaya, Head of Marketing, Small Animals Department, spoke at the session “Pets in our Hands: a Culture of Care and Responsibility”. In her speech, Ms Goretskaya stressed the importance of raising pet owners’ awareness of the importance of prevention and the risks associated with use of unauthorised products. She also noted that VIC GROUP carries out clinical studies of their products at Bely Klyk clinic facilities, working with industry associations and physicians to develop its range of products and support the professional community.

Lyubov Bocharova, VIC GROUP's Development Director, spoke at the strategic session “Dialogues about the profession: the shortage of specialists, animal welfare problems and ethical challenges in practice”. She presented a systemic approach to veterinary industry specialist training, including:

• opening of agricultural classes in the Moscow Region in a joint undertaking with the Russian Ministry of Agriculture and Skryabin Moscow Veterinary Academy;
• establishment of Competence Centres in higher education institutions to teach state-of-the art practices;
• a “Talent Pool” programme involving three-month internships and employment opportunities;
• professional orientation events for schools and colleges.

The expert also stressed that the company deems it appropriate to introduce separate training programmes in “veterinary of farm animals” and “veterinary of small companion animals”. This is due to the fundamental differences in work techniques, diagnostic methods and approaches to treating these categories of animal.
The signing of a partnership memorandum between VIC GROUP and the Nika charity foundation was a milestone event. This reaffirms the parties' intention to join forces in seeking a systemic solution to the problem of homeless animals in Russia.

Key areas of cooperation include:

• a humane reduction in the numbers of homeless animals;
• development of a responsible pet ownership and animal welfare culture through outreach programmes;
• establishment of a community of like-minded people for exchanging experience and resources;
• strategic partnership development for attracting new participants.

Lyubov Bocharova, VIC GROUP's Development Director, remarked:

“This is a major step for us as representatives of the business community and a manufacturer of veterinary products. By signing this memorandum, we are assuming responsibility for developing a culture of ownership and responsible treatment of animals. We fully endorse the memorandum’s goals and objectives, first and foremost those relating to homeless animal care.”