PENANG has no place for animal cruelty.
The state government alongside Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are working closely to stop the inhumane act against stray and abandoned dogs.
MBPP’s Stray and Abandoned Dog Sub-committee chairman Connie Tan, who is an animal lover, was the key figure in releasing The Pawsible magazine, which is an initiative by the council’s Sub-committee to educate the public.
The 65-page magazine features the importance of the trap, neuter, release or rehome (TNR) programme, support from NGOs, adoption success stories and pet owner responsibilities.
Tan said that TNR was a farsighted and bold decision for the long-term betterment of the furkids and the community.
“International Aid For the Protection and Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) Penang is an NGO that has partnered up with MBPP to handle captured dogs humanely through the TNR programme.
“This has ended the killing of street dogs on Penang island, which is replaced by an effective and humane stray management.
“The TNR programme did not only benefit our strays, but it also benefits the community. The programme can help to reduce the nuisance, noise pollution caused by dog fights and risk of disease transmissions.
“In this programme, all dogs neutered and released are given a rabies vaccine as a proactive measure to achieve herd immunity for the well-being of the people and other animals.
“I hope that every one of us will work towards a zero-stray state following the launch of this magazine,” Tan, who is also an MBPP councillor said in her speech in Gurney Plaza today.
She also expressed her gratitude to state Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo for his support.
Tan was optimistic to create a pet-loving society in the state.
Jagdeep praised the Tan’s good work and the council for sending an impactful message to the people.
“We are always committed to stopping cruelty to animals, especially stray and abandoned dogs.
“I applaud the effort and energy put into the launching of this magazine as it is significant in proving that we do not believe in animal cruelty.
“Let us all work hand-in-hand to create a better and safer environment for our furkids and community,” he said.
When met by reporters after the event, Tan said the council had spent a year time for the project.
“The magazines will be distributed to all cafes in the state for public accessibility. It is also available on the MBPP’s website,” she said.
Tan added that much improvement in strays can be seen after the TNR programme has been carried out, adding that IAPWA Penang has TNR 3,638 dogs as of last month.
At the end of the event, Jagdeep gave out RM3,000 to IAPWA Penang; RM3,000 to Penang Animal Sanctuary Society (PASS); RM1,000 to Spay, Adopt, Manage, Assist (SAMA); RM1,000 to Penang Stray Rescue Society (PGSR); RM1,000 to Cat Beach Sanctuary; RM1,000 to Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and RM1,000 to Penang Animal Society (4PAWS).
Among those present were Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim, Senator Lim Hui Ying, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Bagan Dalam assemblyman M. Satees, MBPP secretary A. Rajendran and Pentamaster Corporation Bhd executive chairman Chuah Choon Bin.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian