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© Fréderic Decante
Today, in our multicultural and cosmopolitan world, the notion of animal welfare and what cruelty to animals entails varies from one region and culture to another. Given the complexity and multidimensional nature of animal welfare, the need to harmonise standards has become increasingly urgent. Consequently, the OIE has been developing international welfare standards for terrestrial and aquatic animals since the early 2000s, standards which are adopted by consensus by all its 180 Member Countries.
While animal welfare is complex and has multiple facets at political, cultural, ethical and scientific level, the OIE standards have sought to harmonise, at a global scale, science-based standards in the transport of animals, killing for disease control purposes, slaughter and killing for human consumption, animal production systems, use of animals in research and education and in stray dog population control.
However, in parallel with the globalisation of an increasing trade in animals and products of animal origin to satisfy a growing consumer demand, animal welfare has become a high topic of interest for citizens and the media. Denunciations of practices in animal production are proliferating, often associated with shocking images depicting poor welfare conditions.
However, these photos are selected and used to shock, and do not depict the reality and complexity of behavioural change processes and awareness work done throughout the world to implement new welfare norms in line with the OIE intergovernmental welfare standards
The winners of the 2016 OIE PHOTO COMPETITION will therefore be the photographers who best illustrate, both from an artistic and a descriptive point of view, the work carried out by animal welfare players, in particular by Veterinary services both in their public and private components, to promote and protect animal welfare worldwide in the context of the OIE welfare standards’ implementation.
Photos illustrating the crucial interaction between humans and animals as well as the links between animal health and animal welfare will be given preference when selecting the winners. The jury will also consider the creativity of the photo caption.
A winner will be chosen from each region in the OIE global network:
Each prizewinner will receive the sum of €1,000.
2. Veterinary Students Award
A winner will be chosen from the entries submitted by all veterinary students from each region in
Each prizewinner will receive the sum of €500.
The prizes will be awarded during the opening ceremony of the 84th OIE General Session on Sunday, 22 May 2016.
2016 OIE PHOTO COMPETITIONJURY | ||
Monique ELOIT | Leopoldo STUARDO OIE Project Officer and photographer
| Frédéric DECANTE |
Are you at least 18 years of age, part of the OIE network OR a student above 18 years of age studying in a faculty of veterinary medicine? If so, you can enter – just follow these steps:
The results will be announced via the web site www.oie.int on 13 May 2016.All incomplete entries will be returned without considering the photos.
For further information, contact the OIE Communication Unit at communication@oie.int.
The following are considered to be members of the OIE network and eligible to enter the 2016 OIE Photo Competition:
The following are the requirements for students to be eligible to enter the 2016 OIE photo competition:
The photos entered by participants must have the following technical characteristics:
*Staff from the OIE Headquarters and regions may not enter the competition. Read the rules for more information.