What might, at first glance, look like a horrific injury, is in fact a mark of appreciation for the relationship between man and certain animals. The sight of dogs adorned with garlands or brightly colored powder is not uncommon during the five-day Nepalese festival of lights known as Tihar. The celebrations, which also show reverance to the Hindu Gods, are a time to offer dogs special food.

The Monkey Buffet Festival in Thailand's Lopburi province north of Bangkok is an annual event staged not only for the benefit of its namesakes, but for visitors and local businesses. The event, which was first held in 1989 to boost tourism, attracts some 3,000 monkeys who feast on the 4,000 kilos of fruit, vegetables, cake and sweets laid out for them on tables in front of temples.

While some mark the summer solstice with dancing and bonfires, the city of Yulin in southern China celebrates with the 10-day long Lychee and Dog Meat festival - a title that leaves little to the imagination. The controversial annual event sees the slaughter of some 10,000 canines. Vendors say the animals are killed humanely, but critics argue they are sometimes skinned alive in public.

Bullfighting is seen by many as an integral part of Spanish culture, but there is no escaping its bloody and brutal nature. In full view of hundreds if not thousands of spectators, the animals are subjected to torment and multiple stab wounds delivered by the different players in what is known as a "corrida". Two regions in Spain have now banned the sport.

Rath Yatra is a Hindu festival traditionally held in a number of Indian cities in June or July. The 130 year-old event involves a procession of chariots and between 18 and 20 brightly painted elephants that carry devotees of Lord Jagannath on their backs. The occassion is also referred to as the Chariot Festival and has acquired an extensive following.

The Qatar International Festival of Falcons and Hunting describes itself as one of the largest festivals of its kind. Lasting for a month, one of the stated aims of the event is to "urge young people to preserve wildlife and protect falcons," which are an important part of national heritage. Participants compete for prize money, in categories such as speed, precision and beauty.

Earlier this week, a camel wrestling festival got underway in the town of Selcuk on Turkey's Agean coast. The three-month event will see more than 100 spitting animals face each other and crowds of tourists. Animal welfare activists say the tradition, which dates back more than 2,400 years, is no longer allowed under Turkey's animal rights laws. But winning is a great honor for the owner.