Animal lovers and their four-legged friends came together in Fontvieille on Sunday 27th September as Rokethon returned for its third edition, transforming the Bit Top into a celebration for animals, responsible pet ownership, and adoption.
Organised by the Rokethon organisation, the annual event brought together families, pet owners, animal welfare organisations, and dogs of all shapes and sizes for a day centred around a shared commitment to improving the lives of animals.
Throughout the day, visitors were able to discover animals looking for homes and meet the associations protecting them, alongside a full range of activities from agility and entertainment to art and photography.
At the heart of the event was Rokethon’s symbolic walk around the Bit Top, designed to bring everyone together behind the cause of animal welfare.
For Rokethon President Sylvia Sermenghi, however, the event is intended to be more than simply a gathering for animal lovers.
“It’s like a big celebration of animals. That is how I want it to feel,” Sermenghi told Monaco Life. “I don’t want something really commercial, because that means we will be making money on the back of the animals. I don’t want that. I want to help animals.”
That mindset extends to the association’s approach to animal welfare more broadly. Sermenghi believes improving the lives of animals requires not only financial support, but a better understanding of their needs and behaviours.
“Helping animals is not only about providing financial support; it also requires love, compassion and knowledge,” she said.
The challenges surrounding animal welfare have become increasingly important as shelters face growing demand and the cost of caring for a pet continues to rise. Sermenghi acknowledged the financial realities facing owners.
Rather than judging those who struggle, she said greater awareness is needed around what responsible ownership entails and the commitment involved in welcoming an animal into a home.
EDUCATION AT THE HEART OF ROKETHON’S FUTURE
Looking beyond the annual event, Sermenghi hopes Rokethon can play a greater role in shaping attitudes towards animals in Monaco, beginning with younger generations.
Among the association’s ambitions is greater animal welfare education in schools, teaching children not only how to treat animals, but also to recognise and speak up when they witness mistreatment. Sermenghi believes that animals should be understood as an integral part of the environment that children are taught to protect.
She also hopes to work more closely with the Monegasque government on animal welfare initiatives, with an ambition to make Monaco an example in the way animals are treated.
“I want to change some little things for the animals,” she said. “And make an example of Monaco for the animals.”
With its third edition now complete, Rokethon continues to develop from an annual gathering into a wider effort to encourage adoption, responsible ownership, and a greater understanding of animal welfare across the Principality.
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Photo credit: Kayla Sauceda / Monaco Life