UNSOLVED issue of stray and abandoned dogs in the state is still very much alarming, hence, the Penang government today announced a new shelter for dogs at Taman Inderawasih in Seberang Perai.
The initiative was a joint effort with the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and Mercy Prai Group.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the entire cost to build the shelter was RM180,000.
The Penang government spent RM93,000 while Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy’s office contributed RM33,000 and MBSP councillors chanelled RM14,000 from their allocations.
The building works commenced on Nov 1 last year and was completed on Mar 31 this year.
“It’s a great effort also by MBSP for allocating the land measuring 0.17 acres in size to Mercy for this shelter to house stray and abandoned dogs around the Seberang Perai area.
“There are no shortcuts to solve this issue. We need holistic measures to address it.
“That is why having such shelters is crucial to house the dogs until and when they are able to find new homes.
“This is not a permanent solution; the volunteers at each shelter will play their role and once the dogs are ready and in good shape, the act of adoption is largely encouraged.
“People need to understand that not all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are able to bear the various costs involved in running dog shelters on their shoulders.
“When they need assistance, the state government would come in and assist.
“But ultimately, dog owners need to take heed of their responsibility when they first decide to own pets. These dogs are God chosen too; they don’t deserve to be abandoned.
“Therefore, we encourage people to practise responsible pet ownership (RPO),” Chow said during the ceremony at Taman Inderwasih in Seberang Perai today.
Chow also said as of now, there are some 50,000 stray and abandoned dogs in the state.
“In order the reduce the population, MBSP has been working closely with related organisations such as the Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) to carry out the trap, neuter, release and manage (TNR-M) strategy,” he added.
Chow then had appealed to MBSP to keep up the good work in handling the issue and called for collective synergy among Penangites to be responsible over the well-being of their pets.
It is learnt that the shelter currently has 200 dogs, which is equivalent to the number that was initially designated to fit in.
There are currently four dog shelters (including the one in Taman Inderwasih) in the Seberang Perai area.
MBSP mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud said that the city council had always been committed to addressing the issue of stray and abandoned dogs due to the increasing number of complaints by residents around the Seberang Perai area.
Rozali said MBSP had earlier lined up eight strategies to address this matter, which include the appointment of veterinarians, conducting regular TNR-M programme, setting up new dog shelters, encouraging adoption programme, organising educational sessions, catch and enforcement operations.
“These efforts are ongoing, and we hope to create more awareness among the people to not abandon their dogs.
“We hope they can be more responsible by giving the best care they deserve. This is also to safeguard the health security of Penangites in both on the island and mainland,” he said.
Also present during the ceremony was Prai assemblyman Dr Ramasamy.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi