The first ever national pets show opened in Accra on Thursday under the theme, "a good pet a friend forever.''

The show, organised by Infocus Public Relations under the auspices of the Ghana Veterinary Association, is to raise the level of awareness and consciousness of the public on pet-care.

It is also to highlight the potential of the pet industry in job creation and bring together all segments of the pet industry to showcase their products and services.

Dr K. Bowi Darkwa, Executive Director of the La Veterinary Hospital and Chairman of the organising committee of the show, said pet show is a big time business organised annually in other countries to bring to the fore the immense economic potential of the pet industry.

"In Ghana, however, the history of pet-show is nothing to write home about and that is the reason why national Pet-Show-2001, which marks an important land-mark as a pace-setter of subsequent annual shows in the country, should be embraced by all," he said.

Dr. Darkwa said the increase in crime in the country would necessitate the setting up of dog breeding clubs since the demand for guard dogs would increase as a result.

"Presently some people import puppies from countries like South Africa and sell them at prices ranging from 200 and 500 dollars depending on the breed," he said.

Dr. Darkwa said the Ghana pet industry should be encouraged to go into dog breeding as well as aquaculture and other areas of pet care, since it could consequently open job avenues.

In a speech read on his behalf, Major Courage Quashigah (RTD), Minister of Food and Agriculture, said the pet industry for the past years has not received the needed attention despite its immense potential in offering jobs.

"It is therefore heart-warming to note that the organisers of this great event are spearheading the crusade in educating the public on pet-keeping with the view to unearthing the immeasurable benefit inherent in the pet industry," he said.

He said by ensuring sustainable annual pet shows, foreign participants would contribute towards the foreign exchange growth of the country and urged the show organisers not to rest on their oars.

Major Quashigah urged the organisers to pay attention to the education of the public on their responsibility to take good care of their pets, since animals can transmit diseases to humans.

He said between 1995 and the 2000, rabies killed 73 people, adding that education on the importance of vaccinating pets could prevent deaths from such infections.

Dr Andy Quarcoopome, President of the Ghana Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA) said there are unexplored roles of pets in Ghana, which could be exploited to enhance the quality of life of the people.

He said the GVMA has declared the first week of October as the National Pets Week to help unearth these roles.

The three day outdoor programme which ends on Saturday is open to all kinds of pets especially dogs, cats monkeys and birds.

Activities planned include an equestrian display and a dog race competition by military trained dogs. Participating in the show are both local and foreign dealers in the pet industry.

October 4 is celebrated as International Day of Pets.