THE International Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) Penang received 186 bags of rice today, thanks to Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang and the public for their donation.
IAPWA Penang director Choong Koon Yean, who received the gift from Ng in a handover ceremony at the Centre for Control of Abandoned and Stray Dogs at Jalan Sungai in George Town today, said they were honoured to be entrusted to distribute the bags of rice to needy shelters, rescuers and feeders during this difficult time.
“Joseph Ng is one of the earliest advocates of a more effective and humane stray management via the Trap-Neuter-Release method in Penang,” Choong wrote on the IAPWA Penang Facebook.
“We’re glad we are able to channel this generous assistance from Ng, kind help of MBPP (Penang Island City Council) and councillor Connie Tan to the unsung heroes of the furry friends.
“We’re very proud that Penang island, with its far sighted and progressive council and leaders, has achieved great stride in stray dog population management.
“We turned so much kinder towards the animals as we contribute to progress as a society. Together we are indeed creating a better future for our communities and strays.”
Tan, on behalf of MBPP (which is one of IAPWA Penang’s partners), expressed gratitude to Ng for the timely donation, his concern for the welfare of animals and the public for their support.
“Being a non-governmental organisation, IAPWA Penang needs a lot of public support. During these challenging times, donations are running low and adoption rate is also low.
“We hope that the message of today’s event will have a ripple effect on the public so that they can contribute to IAPWA Penang to keep it sustainable,” Tan said.
Since March 2018, a total of 2,115 dogs have been trapped, neutered and release or rehome. Of that number, 303 puppies have been adopted and 86 adult dogs have been rehomed through IAPWA Penang.
Also present at the handover ceremony were MBPP councillors Tan Soo Siang and Nicholas Theng.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix from IAPWA Penang Facebook