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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