Monaco, September 13, 2024 – For its 2024 inaugural edition, the ROKETHON Association (Roquet means dog in Creole; Saint Roch is the patron saint of dogs) is announcing its very first solidarity race – or march – against pet abandonment and for responsible pet ownership. This event will take place on October 5, 2024, in the idyllic setting of the Principality of Monaco, around the Fontvieille Chapiteau.
The aim of the event is to raise awareness among government authorities and the public about the continuous rise in pet abandonment, particularly in France, and globally. It also seeks to encourage and promote adoption over the purchase of pets. Every year, 300,000 dogs and cats are handed over to shelters or simply abandoned in nature. In France, a pet is abandoned every two minutes.
The National Plan for Animal Welfare launched by the French Minister of Agriculture does not meet our expectations: the announced measures will not provide enough support to the 270 independent shelters and associations. Financial means must be found to accommodate, feed, and care for the tens of thousands of dogs, cats, exotic pets, and other animals (horses, farm animals) that are abandoned or mistreated.
A FRIENDLY AND SOLIDARITY EVENT FOR ALL DOG LOVERS !
Pet abandonment and abuse is a significant societal issue that can only be addressed through collective goodwill and resources. The situation is more serious than ever due to the ongoing economic crisis: the soaring costs of pet food, energy, and veterinary care. Shelters are overwhelmed. ROKETHON places animals at the center of our lives, at least for a day dedicated to their cause. It’s a joyful and friendly event, led with a passionate spirit. ROKETHON aims to mobilize the public on the challenges faced by associations in caring for these ever-increasing numbers of animals.To provide concrete support, a solidarity race – or walk – will be organized for humans and their leashed dogs.
The solidarity walk, from 10 AM to 12 PM around the Fontvieille Chapiteau, invites all participants to come and walk or run with their four-legged companions, whether you're an experienced athlete or not. This event is open to all levels and, most importantly, to all dogs.
ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
The ROKETHON walk, held inside the Fontvieille Chapiteau, will take place in the "ROKETHON village", a platform for communication and awareness where the public can learn about the importance of animal protection and garner new support: a canine and animal world showcasing various participants and partners dedicated to the animal cause. Animal communicators, volunteer veterinarians, animal artists (including the son of Peter Ustinov and works by Robert Combas), photographers, animal influencers, doctors in psychopathology, animal healers, dog trainers, and pet food suppliers – all will be there, listening and attending to your pets’ well-being.
A section of the Chapiteau will be dedicated to artists and their works, which will be sold for the benefit of the animal cause. An "agility course" set up by the Terres Neuves 06 Association will be available for the enjoyment of both young and old and their four-legged friends. At 4 PM, a "BRIGITTE BARDOT" themed parade will pay tribute to the famous animal rights activist: models dressed as BB will walk with dogs up for adoption, seeking a new home. A raffle will take place during the day, with many surprises in store.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE?
Registrations for the solidarity walk will be made on the day of the event at the Fontvieille Chapiteau. Participants will pay an entry fee based on their means. The registration fee includes participation in the race, a small gift for your dog, and access to the ROKETHON village. All funds raised will partly go to two associations: the SPA of Monaco and Paws with Love in Greece, which shelters many suffering dogs. We also plan to purchase land to shelter the "victims" of abandonment and abuse to help rehabilitate them for a better life.
A ROKETHON shop in Monaco will receive items and clothing donated for the benefit of the animal cause. A dispensary for humans and their animals will be established for those unable to afford medical care. The organisation also plans to create a fun space in Monaco where dogs and cats can be left temporarily while their owners run errands or attend appointments.