LETTER | Let’s do better for our animal shelters

LETTER | Today, Oct 4, is celebrated around the globe as World Animal Day. It’s not a one-day affair but an event to create a lasting impression of how animals are perceived and treated.

World Animal Day should remind us of the intergovernmental agreement, called the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW), that animals are sentient and we should ensure the prevention of cruelty and that the welfare and wellbeing of animals (including livestock) in our midst are protected at all times.

In conjunction with World Animal Day, I wish to appeal to the government on behalf of animal lovers in the country to view the plight of animal shelters run by voluntary organisations like the Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), PAWS Animal Welfare Society and others.

These animal shelters are under tremendous pressure and are on the verge of closing down due to the acute shortage of funds and donations from the public.

The global economic impact, triggering a hike in the prices of consumer goods including pet food and others has seriously affected these animal shelters.

Recently, Ipoh SPCA (ISPCA) made a shocking statement that some 300 odd dogs and cats under their care will be released into the streets due to a lack of funds to maintain the animals in their shelter.

The situation was made worse for ISPCA apparently by the state land authorities, demanding a hefty payment for the use of the state land or face eviction.

Demanding such a hefty sum from a volunteer non-profit organisation is indeed heartless.

The ISPCA’s neuter and release (TNR) programme, carried out with the support of Ipoh City Council (DBI) is showing results in reducing the number of unwanted strays in the city.

This ISPCA/ DBI humane TNR programme module is now been studied and emulated by several local councils in managing strays effectively.

SPCAs in the country deserve the cooperation and support of the local authorities and government at large to carry out their objectives and missions.

Ideally, the local authorities should work closely with animal shelters for a win-win outcome like the TNR programme between ISPCA and DBI. This will ensure the welfare and well-being of homeless and sick animals in our midst are taken care of.

In conjunction with World Animal Day, I appeal to the Madani government to seriously consider the plight of animal welfare shelters in the country that are facing acute financial constraints to maintain the homeless animals under their care.

Compassion and human care

It will be great, for a start, if the government considers allocating annual grants for deserving animal shelters. We can call it the Madani Animal Welfare Grant.

This move will speak volumes of the Madani government and its wholesome compassionate agenda that includes the welfare of animals.

Through collective efforts, we can ensure the animals that share our environment are protected and not deprived of compassion and human care.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.