SPCA PENANG- NEWSLETTER

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SPCA Penang, Malaysia

Yours in Animal Welfare since 1948.

 

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE RSPCA UK

 

SPCA Penang E-Newsletter

 

Paw Penned Thoughts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JULY 2006 NEWSLETTER

 

 

Dear Friends of the SPCA,

 

 

 

Warm Greetings to all!

 

 

 

In the year 2005 we successfully re-homed 132 animals. This year at half year

ending 30th June our adoption rate has passed the mark 113. At that same time of

last year there were only 63 adoptions. The Year of the Dog has indeed caused a

great impact on adoptions. This is indeed great news and good for the ears of

all friends of the animals.

 

 

 

It is sad that despite all the counselling and time spent on adopters we still

have a failure rate. Stupid reason and silly excuses given as chewing, digging

owner not having enough time or moving home frustrates our efforts. This is

indeed the reality of life that we face with today's prospective owners.

 

 

 

Our kennels are never empty. If you do wish to adopt an animal do give our pets

a chance. Do visit our website at http://www.spca-penang.net/ to view our

animals available for adoption. Remember! For any dog/cat that you breed or

buy, one shelter animal has to die. So adopt one and save a life today.

 

 

 

Dumping of pets at our doorstep is becoming more frequent. The most common breed

besides the mongrels left our gate is the shih-tzus. During this short period,

we have received quite a few, ranging from 2 months till 5 years. Next is the

terrier breed. Most common clinical problems were that they came with are skin

problems, hairless or blindness. Like all other breeds, they need companionship

and extra time for grooming. We would like to advise breeders/pet shop owners

to have animal welfare at heart before trading them to pet owners. To all pet

owners with passion for shih-tzus, please ensure that you have the extra time to

groom them.

 

 

 

SPCA UPDATES

 

 

BASIC DOG TRAINING CLASSES - The classes on positive reinforcement dog

obedience training conducted by our volunteer member Ms. Rebecca Wickman have

benefited some pet owners who attended the once a week for 6 classes regularly.

These were introduced to help pet owners (especially SPCA adoptees) train their

pets and understand better the proper use of reinforcement, rewards and

punishment. Should you need information on the next intake of classes, kindly

email Rebecca at: mannersformutts or call 016-4676334. A minimum

fee will be charged and all proceeds will be donated to the SPCA.

 

 

 

SPCA HOMELESS PETS VIDEO - A fifteen minutes educational video presentation of

SPCA and its homeless pets has been produced. This was a project from a group

of USM Mass Communication students. We appreciate their efforts. This

presentation is indeed useful as we are able to present it to visitors who comes

in groups.

 

 

At the start of the year, our FIRST FUNDRAISING PROJECT 'Cheet Chat' - Girls on

the Edge organised by our Youth Division was well attended. A sum of RM1580 was

raised from this charity show. Monies raised would be utilised to support the

youth's educational program on welfare of animals.

 

 

 

WHAT BETTER WAYS TO FUNDRAISE?? - Our volunteer Ms. Phoa Kelene (a former STAR

BRAT) together with her other fellow Brats volunteered to bake cookies for a

good cause during the Chinese New Year festive period. Four organisations

benefited from this endure of which SPCA was chosen and it received a sum of

RM2800. We hope this would inspire our younger generation spend quality time to

help others rather than indulge in unproductive activities.

 

 

 

DOG CATCHING WORKSHOP - With sponsorship from the RSPCA UK and Humane Society

International, a dog catching workshop was organised in Penang in early April

for a week. The aim was to introduce to dog catchers of both local councils

MPPP, MPSP as well as SPCA the proper techniques of apprehending strays using

animal net rather than the grasper/lassoe method which causes severe injuries to

tend to dogs. Expert dog catchers from Bali and Sri Lanka were invited to

present this technique together with two consultants Mr. Brian Faulkner and Ms.

Dawn Peacock.

 

 

 

Mr. Brian hopes to follow up by working closely with our local government. We

understand that initially any changes meets with resistance. However, we

sincerely hope all parties involved would change their mindset by using this

more humane method that is now widely used around the world by dog catchers.

 

 

 

SPCA CHILDREN'S EDUCATION CAMP 2006 - Our one day Children's Education Camp 2006

held on Sunday, 18 June 2006 at the Youth Park was a great success. Themed

'Cherish Animals and Enrich Your Life', this camp was aimed at instilling the

minds of the young what keeping pet is all about. We had 159 children of ages

between 10 to 12 years who participated in this camp.

 

 

 

Thanks to our major sponsors namely Penang Turf Club, Preference Trading Sdn

Bhd, Dato Peter Hans Brenner, and Lion's Club of Penang. With their

sponsorship, we invited children from the St. Joseph's Home, Ramakrishna and

Salvation Army Boys Home to join in the camp.

 

 

 

Two dog shows were contributed, one by Ms Rosie Lim of Mega Pets Place and the

other by Mr Max Lee of Huatchye Kennel. The children really enjoyed themselves

and look forward to participating again next year.

 

 

 

From the Organising Committee, we thank all sponsors and volunteers who have

contributed in making this camp a success.

 

 

 

VISIT BY UPLANDS SCHOOL YEAR 7 STUDENTS - On 8 June, 22 year 7 students together

with their teachers visited the SPCA. A donation for the sum of RM1542.00 was

raised by the children through a run was handed to SPCA. The children had

great fun socialising and interacting with all the animals at the SPCA. We are

indeed happy to note that the Uplanders have a heart always for the Society. We

thank the Star for coverage.

 

 

 

2nd ELOCUTION CONTEST - Come August 19th and 26th, our Youth Division will be

organising the 2nd English Elocution Contest to be held at the KDU College. The

topic for this year is 'Bridging The Gap Between Man & Animals' and we are

offering cash prizes for the first 3 winners.

 

 

 

Registration is open to all students aged 16 to 21. For more information and

details, kindly contact our Co-ordinator, John Shebat de Silva at

spcapenang.

 

 

 

NEW T-SHIRTS - We have new T-shirts available in black and white colours with a

caption, 'Cherish Animals and Enrich Your Life'. To view, please visit our

website at http://www.spca-penang.net/

 

 

 

Sizes available now are from small to extra large and are priced at RM15 and

RM16 (for XX Large)

 

 

 

BILLBOARD ADVERTISING - Perfect Companion (M) Sdn. Bhd., a firm marketing pet

food under the brand name SMARTHEART has agreed to sponsor 8 billboards in

Penang for our society. The message it carries is `SPAY / NEUTER AND PREVENT A

LITTER'. We are thankful to this coporate company and grateful for their

generosity.

 

 

 

We welcome anyone interested to share this with us for the welfare of animals.

 

 

 

VETERINARY HEALTH

 

 

In this issue we touch on vaccinations for your pet animal prepared by our Hon

Veterinarian Dr. Kuljit Singh Gill. Many have asked is it really necessary and

why is it so important?

 

 

 

Puppies borne of protected mothers have natural against diseases until they are

weaned from their mother's milk, at which point they need vaccinations. In the

first 24 hours after birth, it is critical that a puppy nurses on its mother in

order to get the necessary colostrums or first milk. Colostrum contains the

special proteins and antibodies to protect the young animals against infectious

diseases to which the mother is immune. Feeding on this first milk will ensure

the pups protection for as long as 14 to 16 weeks. Of course, if the mother is

unhealthy, her colostrums will be effective for a much shorter period of time,

or not at all.

 

 

 

If you would like to reduce all risks of infection, begin shots for your puppy

at 6 weeks old, and repeat them every 3-4 weeks until it is 16 weeks old. Until

the full series of vaccinations is complete, be sure to keep your puppy isolated

to reduce exposure to infection. From thereon, your pet will need

revaccinations annually.

 

 

 

Remember, these vaccinations are very important to the health and happiness of

your dog in later life.

 

 

 

WHAT ARE THE VACCINATIONS NEEDED?

 

 

 

DISTEMPER - Dogs with this disease will have the following symptoms: fever,

conjunctivitis, rhinitis (nasal discharge), and may develop pneumonia, diarrhoea

& vomiting and seizures (change in behaviour (eg. pacing, circling), apparent

loss of balance (ataxia), muscle twitches.

 

 

 

This is a great killer of many dogs, if not vaccinated against. There is NO

ANTIVIRAL TREATMENT for Distemper virus; therefore treatment is symptomatic.

Prognosis is poor and euthanasia is often recommended for patients with

progressive neurological signs.

 

 

 

HEPATITIS - The canine version of this disease (known as canine adenovirus type

I) usually causes only mild liver or blood-vessel disease in dogs. One of the

side effects is an opaque, blue eye, which involves a hardening of the cornea

that may result in temporary or permanent blindness. In some rare cases, the

disease is severe and may be fatal. The vaccine is an effective preventive

measure.

 

 

 

RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES - Adenovirus type II infection produces a cough and

bronchitis. It is also one of the causes of the contagious syndrome known as

kennel or infectious bronchitis. The vaccine for type I protects against type

II as well.

 

 

 

Parainfluenza virus and another bacterial infections caused by Bordetella

bronchiseptica also contribute to kennel cough. The Bordetella bacteria

normally live in the air passages of the lungs. Stress can recipitate the

disease.

 

 

 

CANINE LEPTOSPIROSIS - This disease is caused by a spirochete, a bacterial

organism that affects the liver and kidneys. It is spread by the urine of

infected dogs or rats. Symptoms are depression, lack of appetite, high fever,

and abdominal or back pain, due to inflammation of the liver and kidneys. The

vaccine is effective for 6 to 12 months.

 

 

 

CANINE PARVOVIRUS - This is an acute, highly contagious enteritis of dogs. Dogs

of any age are affected, but there is a higher incidence of clinical disease in

puppies between weaning and 6 months of age. Certain breeds appear to be at

higher risk and susceptible to a more severe form of the disease. These include

Rottweilers, Dobermann Pinschers, and possible Pit Bull Terriers and black

Labrador Retrievers.

 

 

 

Infection occurs by the faeco-oral route (ingestion of infected faeces). During

acute illness, and for about 1-2 weeks thereafter, massive amounts of parvovirus

(over one billion virions per gram of faeces) are shed in faeces of infected

dogs. Because the virus can survive and remain infectious for several months in

the environment, environment contamination plays a major role in transmission.

 

 

 

Symptoms of the infection are severe diarrhea (can be profuse and haemorrhagic),

vomiting, fever, depression and rapidly progressive dehydration. Hypothermia,

icterus (jaundice) may develop terminally.

 

 

 

Death is usually attributable to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, endotoxic

shock or overwhelming bacterial sepsis. If the disease is detected in your pet,

be sure to disinfect bedding areas and food dishes with a solution of one part

chlorine bleach and 30 parts water.

 

 

 

CORONAVIRUS - Coronavirus invades and destroys cells in the intestine causing a

syndrome known as CANINE CORONAVIRAL ENTERITIS.

 

 

 

It is an acute and contagious disease that affects dogs of all ages. Dogs

present with an acute onset anorexia and depression followed by vomiting and

diarrhoea.

 

 

 

The diarrhoea varies from soft to watery and sometimes contains mucus and fresh

blood. Dehydration, weight loss and death is reported.

 

 

 

In addition to the above, also available now Leptospira Icterohaemorrhagaie,

Leptospira Grippotyphosa and Leptospira Pomona combine with the above known as

10 in 1. Please contact your veterinarian for more information.

 

 

 

For your information, all animals taken in for rehoming will be vaccinated

accordingly to schedule:

 

 

 

8 weeks - DA2 PL / CPV ( also known as, 6 in 1 )

 

12 weeks - DA2 PL / CPV ( also known as, 7 in 1 )

 

16 weeks - DA2 PL / CPV / CCV ( also known as, 7 in 1 )

 

 

 

Annual boosters has been carried out yearly to reinforce the immunity which will

otherwise weaken.

 

 

 

SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM

 

 

Many come and go, fortunately we still have some diehard volunteers who formed a

pillar of strength and help keep our activities moving. To inspire other young

volunteers, we would like to introduce you to one of our young sixteen year old

volunteer Mr. Joseph Pek who has been coming almost daily be it a school day or

a public holiday. Let's hear what Mr. Joseph says...

 

 

 

'I joined the SPCA as a volunteer in March of this year. My reason was that I

was bored sitting at home doing nothing. I'm not the kind of person you will

find in the game arcade or cyber café. I love animals and I have 3 dogs of my

own.

 

 

 

Being a volunteer at the SPCA has changed me. I used to be very shy and I did

not have any social life. Now, I can speak confidently to anyone. I love coming

to the SPCA because it gives me happiness at the end of day. I have learnt a

lot from the SPCA regards to caring and the well being of animals. Though, I

have 3 dogs (1 male and 2 bitches) of my own, I was not aware of the

vaccinations and neutering until I was advised strongly to do so.

 

 

 

Other than socialising with the dogs at the shelter, I also help guide visitors

round the kennels and cattery. There are many kinds of pet owners that I come

across. Most of them asked for pedigree breeds, some strongly preferred male

dogs to females. They have thoughts that a female is a nuisance. You would not

be having any problems once you neuter/spay them. A genuine animal lover will

go for any dog. Dogs give you unconditional love if you treat them well. They

deserve a good quality of life like we do.

 

 

 

Everyone in my neighbourhood has at least one dog. Their purpose is to solely

use them to guard their property. I wish someday, I would be able to help guide

them to be responsible pet owners. At the SPCA, I have witnessed many

unwanted/abandoned pups and kittens brought in, at least 30-40 animals are

brought in monthly by members of the public. This figure does not include those

picked/collected by the Field Inspectors.

 

 

 

Unfortunately, these puppies and kittens are far too young to be rescued. Some

lucky ones ended being fostered for a while till they are ready to be returned

for vaccinations and homing by the SPCA. I have fostered some and would you

like to be in the fostering team too?

 

 

 

SPCA is my second home. I urge all to come and volunteer. A little good deed

goes a long way.

 

 

 

SPCA ADOPTION TALES: YOGI, NAMEE & FIFI

 

by Philip de Silva

 

 

T

 

he 10th of June 2005 will forever live on in my memory. On that eventful day at

about 10 in the morning I lost a very dear, loyal, fun loving and most

trustworthy friend. Her name was TREX. She was " Eurasian " like me and was only

thirteen years old. She had beautiful longish curly locks of black with stands

of white. And oh, what a cute face. I said some prayers for her privately and

put her to rest.

 

 

 

TREX was a super being. A cross between a Pomeranian and a Spitz, she was very

apt at stalking and catching birds and rats or mice after which she would secret

away her prey. She did not feed on these but just buried them in the ground.

Gifted with a relatively high degree of intelligence she knew just what to do

and how to react to get what she wanted. Most of all she was a real and actual

member of the family. So naturally, I missed her deeply when she left.

 

 

 

Since I can remember our family always had pets at home. There were dogs, cats,

guinea pigs, hamsters, birds and even an iguana once. This of course

understandably was far too much for my mum and we had to settle for the

conventional doggie or the pussycat. The cats were always my younger sister's

favourite. She still has three at present. This family tradition lives on in

my children.

 

 

 

After a month of being depressed and missing my old friend TREX, my youngest

son, John offered a solution through much persuasion and coaxing. Finally, I

relented. So off we went to the " orphanage " in Georgetown, Penang.

 

 

 

As we walked through the " dormitories " several times, our eyes caught attention

of two " young ladies " . They seemed extremely shy and would not come out to

greet us no matter how much we tried. They kept to themselves, remained totally

quiet and huddled in the corners. Perhaps they were frightened and not used to

strangers. Curious, we requested a closer look.

 

 

 

When given the opportunity to leave their " rooms " these two sisters who were

born on the same day on 10 January 2005, suddenly came alive. They zoomed about

the place happily enjoying each others company and playing with their numerous

toys. That was when we made the decision to add two more members to our family

- YOGI and NAMEE.

 

 

 

Just as we were sorting out matters and about to leave, another cute " baby " was

romping about and just plain showing off. Her antics and well-orchestrated

showmanship paid off. FIFI, then just about 3 months old was a natural. We

then headed back home with YOGI, NAMEE and FIFI bunched up in the car together

with the five of us.

 

 

 

Our daily lives today is never dull and without event. All the " girls " have a

home now. They greet every member of the family heartily when we descend the

staircase in the mornings and sprint around the house freely. The postmen, the

garbage collectors and the Rukun Tetangga patrolmen too are their good friends

perhaps because they are often " escorted " by a gutsy and hardworking Spitz.

Even the neighbour's cats are tolerated to a degree though FIFI reigns supreme

in this matter jealously guarding against territorial encroachments. Like all

" children " they are learning about life and getting to know the house rules.

 

 

 

As I write this, my three " girls " lazily sit by watching. They have all grown

in the five months since they came home. YOGI is strong and can scale a full

fence climbing, NAMEE remains the gentle " lady " that she is and FIFI. the scamp,

always up to something new and exciting. It is now time for their milk and for

me to go to bed.

 

 

 

Our three " girls " are very much a part of our lives now and we would not have it

any other way. One could never imagine that a single visit to the " dormitories "

at the SPCA in Penang would enrich our lives so.