FOR the third year running and as part of his pet project, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng contributed 50 packets of rice to the International Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) Penang today.
He said the rice packets were mostly extras from old folks’ homes that were donated by non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“Homes that have extra rice packets would ask me to pass them on to other organisations that would need them.
“So, being a pet lover myself and as part of my pet project, I decided to contribute the rice packets to IAPWA Penang to be used for the dogs.
“I would also like to encourage the public to come forward and donate such basic necessities to any pet organisations,” Joseph said during a press conference at the IAPWA Penang in Sungai Pinang today.
Meanwhile, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Connie Tan said the number of dog licences issued since 2021 has been on an upward trend on the island.
“We issued 1,309 licenses in 2021 and 2,309 licences in 2022. As of February this year, we have issued a total of 1,181 licences.
“This increase is a result of the many roadshows that we have frequently been organising on the island, mainly to educate the people on the importance of getting a dog licence for their pet,” Tan said.
On another matter, Tan said out of the estimated 10,000 stray dogs on the island, 4,816 dogs have been neutered.
“Balik Pulau is still a challenge for us, especially areas involving Pulau Betong, Teluk Bahang and Batu Maung, where there are many abandoned dogs.
“There is also an issue where many dogs are often abandoned at construction sites.
“This must be stopped and at the council level, we will do what we can to assist but the public must be cooperative in this matter,” Tan added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud