According to Sandrea Ng Shy Ching, the Perak state government is planning to hold a large scale “Trap-Neuter-Release” (TNR) programme next year. She mentioned that the programme would be a joint effort between the state government and various animal welfare organizations. Its primary goal is to increase awareness among the public and dog owners.
Ng also stated that the state government will provide subsidies to ensure widespread participation and responsibility in getting dogs neutered. Furthermore, several non-governmental organizations are interested in establishing shelters to provide temporary housing for neutered dogs without owners. Ng made these comments during a press briefing at the location where a number of strays were caught for the TNR programme, under the Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA).
The initiative was a collaborative effort involving ISPCA, the Ipoh City Council, and volunteers from the industrial area who covered the costs of the TNR. ISPCA president Ricky Soong and the City Council’s Enforcement (Dog Control Unit) assistant officer Muhammad Nadzir Rosli were in attendance.
On the subject of shelter establishment applications, Ng revealed that several applications had already been received. She mentioned that the state government, through the council, is carefully reviewing these applications. Ng emphasized that efforts are being taken to ensure that the allocated land would be specifically reserved for dog shelters.
In addition, Ng mentioned that these steps are among the few ways to help reduce and resolve the stray population issue. She expressed hope that the private sectors will also contribute through their corporate social responsibility. Ng also urged people to adopt dogs instead of purchasing pets from shops.
Ng also highlighted that this year alone (Jan-Nov), the council has received a total of 1536 complaints regarding nuisance caused by strays. She reported that 1,300 strays were captured, and out of that number, only 161 were reclaimed by their owners. Furthermore, she mentioned that there were zero adoptions, which she found to be disheartening.
