Story by Danny Ooi
Pix by Alissala Thian
INDEPENDENT Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) project director Choong Koon Yean this morning said Trap, Neuter & Release/Re-home (TNR) programme is designed to reduce the dog population growth through neutering, improve the health and welfare of the dog population using infection control protocols and increase awareness for dog ownership.
“TNR programs aims at reducing strays by stopping the reproductive cycle.
“This will reduce risk of diseases spread by strays, noises caused by un-neutered strays fighting for on heat females, public complaints and pressure on over-crowded no-kill shelters,” Choong said at a press conference to announce ‘Furry Hopes’ – an IAPWA Charity Fundraising Event – which was officiated by Pulau Tikus assemblymember Chris Lee Chun Kit.
Pet-Friendly Food and Fun Fair Carnival by Furry Hopes will be held on Nov 17, 2018 from 2.00pm until 10.00pm at Straits Quay.
The carnival provides a variety of exciting and fun activities including pets and their owners, such as Furmazing Dog Race, Purr Cat Universe, Arts & Craft workshops and other interesting activities.
Choong said the event aims to raise RM100,000 for IAPWA to run its TNR programme while at the same time educating and raising awareness about the programme.
Meanwhile, Lee said IAPWA has signed an MOU with MBPP on Aug 17 to conduct a TNR programme for Penang Island stray dogs.
“IAPWA envisaged to reduce risk of diseases spread by stray dogs and will continue to create public awareness of the programme through the means of MBPP 2015 -2019 Zero Stray Programme,” he stressed.
“Since March 2018, IAPWA has started its TNR programme and as on August 13, 2018, some TNR data reported are as follows:
1. Sterilized Dogs Released – 210 dogs.
2. Adult Dogs Rehomed- 30 dogs.
3. Puppies Rehomed- 47 dogs.
Also present were Furry Hopes treasurer Daphne Saw, event organising chairperson Caroline Tan and MBPP representative Connie Tan.
For more information on the event, visit: www.iapwa.org