This time I want to tell you how our actions in the past year will affect the future of the FCI. I am not saying it is not important to summarise our achievements and to explain why we proceeded in a certain way, but I want to talk about our future as an international organisation, but most important about the future of our dogs worldwide.

Three aspects have been transcendental during the past year; cooperation and collaboration, innovation and preparation for the future. These three aspects will lead our organisation for the next year.

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Rafael de Santiago
FCI President
China Pet Day
Mr Jinfei Shen, president of the CKU - Mr Rafael de Santiago, President of FCI

On May 29th, the CKU (Chinese canine organisation) and Wenzhou Government jointly held China Pet Day, aiming at attracting more public attention to pet culture.

The event was supported by a seminar where a forum focusing on pet welfare issues was organised.

On this occasion, Rafael de Santiago, President of the FCI, gave an opening lecture, congratulating the organisers for the initiative, confirming the support from the FCI and encouraging the development of dog sports in China, and the commitment to dog welfare.

Mr Rafael de Santiago, President of FCI - Mr Tim Xie, Secretary General of CKUn - Ms Zoe Zuo, Marketing Director of Nestle Purina Pet Care Ltd.

“Pure-bred dogs enhance our respective cultures: it is all about traditions and achievements throughout thousands of years. Dogs have been Man’s partner in many fields: rescue dogs, therapy dogs, working dogs… they all serve us in different aspects of our daily life” said FCI President.

Mr de Santiago then pointed out the dog-unfriendly laws which are voted all over the World and which threaten dog breeding, sometimes even failing to take dog welfare and dog health issues into consideration. “Through education programmes supported by the FCI, canine organisations shows the World how pure-bred dogs serve society and bring immeasurable benefits to us all”.

Mrs Jade Shi, Secretary General of China Small Animal Protection Association - Mr Jian Li, the Vice Mayor of Pingyang - Mr Rafael de Santiago, President of FCI - Mr Tim Xie, Secretary General of CKU

Mr de Santiago carried on explaining that the CKU’s role in China is of utmost importance: the Asian country is fairly new in the FCI membership and Chinese culture and traditions are being revisited under a historical perspective in order to allow for a change in the population’s way to look upon dogs. CKU and the FCI’s campaigns are considerably helping to promote pure-bred dogs and dog sports, as well as their development and appreciation in China, although a lot still has to be done.

The FCI General Committee is convinced that the 2019 World Dog Show is the most effective way to promote the love for pure-bred dogs. Both the FCI and the CKU are sure that the event will be a huge success.