Guest guest Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 A sanctuary for animals- New Straits Times 22 May 2006 Sim Bak Heng -- PEKAN NENAS: A Buddhist welfare group has opened the country's biggest animal shelter here, and it is now home to more than 1,000 animals of 20 species. Called Animal Paradise, the sanctuary spreads over a 2.4ha site in a rubber estate and is run by the Johor Baru-based Amituofo Buddhist Centre. It houses 350 dogs and 226 cats, all of which were once strays. In keeping with Buddhist belief, adherents have also given their pet tortoises, rabbits and terrapins to the sanctuary. Since its opening, the centre has also become home to pythons, geese, goats, cows, ostriches, peacocks and deer. Project supervisor Goh Kim Huat, 48, said what began with a few stray cats and dogs in 2002 had grown to nearly 1,000 animals. " We also have an animal adoption programme for those wanting pets, but this is restricted to dogs and cats, " said Goh, who manages the centre with eight other fulltime staff. The animals are kept in different enclosures, with a dedicated animal treatment centre. " We run this place like a zoo. But we are fastidious when it comes to hygiene and cleanliness. We treat the animals with utmost care and respect, " he said. The animals are regularly given immunisation jabs, while male animals are neutered. Goh said it cost over RM18,000 a month to operate Animal Paradise and almost the entire sum came from regular donors and animal lovers. " We receive up to 700 visitors during weekends, " he said, adding the centre only allowed visits by appointment. He said sick pets were often dumped at the centre by irresponsible people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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