(MY) homeless animals at Penang spca

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Wednesday January 11, 2006 - The Star

 

Don't let these homeless animals die

 

By NG SU-ANN

 

DON'T breed or buy, while homeless animals die. This is the message

which the Penang Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

(SPCA) hopes to sent across to the public.

 

Stray dogs and cats with disease-stricken fur and skeletal bodies are

often spotted scavenging thrash cans for scraps of food.

 

And to shield from downpours or the scorching sun, they will seek

shelter underneath parked cars, drain covers or at a bus stop, if they

are lucky.

 

Survival is their only aim in life.

 

Such disturbing sights are a stark contrast to that of pedigree

animals which are dolled up in trendy wear and served gourmet pet

food.

 

The society's administrator Lily Leng said: " For every pet that is

bought from a breeder, an animal in the shelter is put to sleep.

 

" If more people start adopting homeless animals, there will be less

demand for breeders to produce more pedigrees. "

 

She said that if given a chance, strays could make wonderful pets as well.

 

" To you, he's a dog. To him, you're his everything. With proper care

and attention, a pet's devotion knows no bounds.

 

" He shows his unconditional love through simple but meaningful ways –

licking your hand, wagging his tail or jumping up in glee when you

return home.

 

" A dog is a dog, regardless of its breed. Every dog is equally lovable

and intelligent, " she added.

 

Leng said pets should not to be discarded at the owners' whims and

fancy like some old toy or out-of-fashion dress.

 

" They are creatures with feelings which have laid their lives in your

hands. However, I have come across many cases where dogs and cats are

adopted and then returned to us once they have outgrown their

cuteness.

 

" All puppies and kittens look cute. Thus, children would pester their

parents to adopt one. The problem starts when the novelty of owning a

pet wears off or the animal is no longer adorable.

 

" Although it is fun to play with the animals, the responsibility of

regularly feeding and cleaning up after them may not be so appealing.

 

" It's also ironic to find owners spending RM2,000 to buy a pedigree

and haggle over a vaccination fee of RM35, " she said.

 

Incepted in 1948, the Penang SPCA is a non-profit organisation

maintained by a humble group of devoted members who is keen on

furthering the welfare of animals.

 

Despite its heavy overhead costs, low public financial support and

absence of state aid, the shelter has been functioning against all

odds.

 

The society's three vans go out daily to collect strays. There are

currently 43 dogs and 16 cats up for adoption.

 

Of the total 3,618 animals collected last year, 3.6% (134) found homes.

 

To curb the population of strays, the Trap, Neuter and Spay Programme

was incepted in 2002. Some 100 cats and dogs had benefited from it so

far.

 

The society is also appealing for volunteers and donations to build a

12-cage cattery (cat house).

 

Apart from organising exhibitions and talks in schools upon

invitation, SPCA holds a yearly children's camp to promote responsible

pet ownership and handling of animals.

 

The shelter sells T-shirts, key chains, fridge magnets, bookmarks and

calendars to raise funds for its activities.

 

It also provides treatment to sick and injured animals at its clinic

from 2pm to 4pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.

 

Donations, which are income tax exempted, can be made to SPCA Penang

and addressed to its office in Jalan Jeti, Jelutong, 11600 Penang.

 

For details, contact 04-2816559, email to spcapg or check

out its website www.spca-penang.net.

 

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Wednesday January 11, 2006 - The Star

 

Please take me home!

 

WANTED: A caring owner to love her. Sadly, Bozo the Sharpei had not

found this with her previous owner.

 

When Bozo was dumped at the Penang SPCA's shelter, she was a pitiful

sight. She had skin disease and there was barely any fur left on her

skin.

 

The society's secretary, Dr G.S. Gill said: " She was to be humanely

put away. Being of gentle nature, she laid obediently on the operation

table.

 

" However, just as I was about to administer the injection, she put out

her paw and look up into my eyes as if begging for her dear life. I

didn't have the heart to go further. "

 

Today, her fur may have grown back and her disease gone but Bozo is

still waiting for someone to love her.

 

Dr Gill said so much could be done for dogs like Bozo if everyone from

pet owners to the authorities view animal welfare as a serious issue.

 

" We have been trying to get the Penang Municipal Council to amend its

outdated Dog By-Laws 1976 for more than 10 years but have yet to see

the end of the tunnel.

 

" In our recommendations, all owners should spay their dogs and ensure

that they scoop the animals' poop in public areas, " he said.

 

He also said there should be a standard by-law for all local

governments instead of different ones for each.

 

In addition, he said the Animal Ordinance Act 1953 was no longer

relevant to today's cases asperpetrators who commit animal cruelty

acts could only be fined a maximum of RM200 or jailed six months or

both.

 

Dr Gill said the society was advocating microchip implant as the

answer to the identification of owners for a more effective

implementation of the by-laws.

 

" One black dog looks like another black dog. If it is implanted with a

microchip, its owners can be traced. Apart from promoting responsible

ownership, this is also useful in the case of runaway, stolen or lost

animals, " he said.

 

He said the society's fervent wish was for a philanthropist to donate

a 0.8ha piece of land for it to build a bigger shelter.

 

" We have been occupying land owned by the council since 1993. Our

30-kennel shelter is already bursting at the seams.

 

" The society is forced to put many healthy animals, which are already

vaccinated and spayed, to sleep due to space constraint.

 

" It pains us to do this and it is never an easy thing to decide, " he

said with a sigh.

 

The society also planned to suggest to its counterparts in Malacca,

Johor, Sarawak, Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Seberang Prai to form an

umbrella body for a stronger voice.