FROM 2018 to Jan 31 this year (2024), the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has neutered 6,046 stray and abandoned dogs as part of its Trap-Neuter-Release (or Rehome) programme (TNR).
MBPP and the Independent Aid for Protection and Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) Penang inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Aug 17, 2017, to collectively introduce the programme (TNR) to control the population of stray and ‘free roaming’ dogs on the island.
This morning, an awareness campaign to educate the public about the importance of the TNR programme was held for the community living in Island Glades.
Gracing the event earlier were Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan Hooi Peng, MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, MBPP secretary Cheong Chee Hong, Pentamaster Technology (M) Sdn Bhd Datuk Chuah Choon Bin and IAPWA Penang president Choong Koon Yean.
Rajendran, during his speech, said that MBPP, since the introduction of the programme, has been steadfast and committed to ensuring the population of stray and abandoned dogs was under control on the island.
“This programme is vital to ensure the pets are kept in a healthy state while reducing the risk of animal-related diseases and creating a conducive environment for the residents.
“I would like to also urge pet owners to register and apply for licenses for their pets, especially their dogs at home.
“The annual fee is only RM10, and the application can be done online via www.ulesen.mbpp.gov.my,” Rajendran said in his speech after attending the pet awareness campaign at a basketball court here in Island Glades today.
During his speech, he also went on to thank Pentamaster, who was represented by Chuah, for the company’s contribution of RM50,000 to IAPWA as a sign of support towards the TNR programme.
MBPP also contributed RM50,000 to IAPWA to manage its current expenses for the year 2024.
Meanwhile, Tan said that this morning’s programme was one that’s very close to her heart due to her previous involvement in addressing pet-related issues.
Before being elected as an assemblyman, Tan served as an MBPP councillor and held the position of the council’s Stray and Abandoned Dogs, sub-committee chairman.
“I am proud to see so many departments from MBPP and the support shown by the public towards this programme this morning.
“MBPP is the first local council in Peninsular Malaysia to implement the TNR programme, and we have been a role model for many states ever since its establishment in 2018.
“Once again, Penang leads, and let us continue with the good work of protecting and creating a healthy environment for all, including controlling the population of stray and abandoned dogs in Penang,” she said.
Earlier, various activities were held, including a mobile dog licensing counter, dog adoption programme, colouring contest for children and others.
It was learnt that some 100 children participated in the colouring contest.
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal