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EFFORTS have been made to control the population of stray and ‘free-roaming’ dogs in Penang.
As of March 31 this year, more than 4,800 ‘free-roaming’ dogs on Penang island have been neutered under the Penang Island City Council’s Trap-Neuter-Release (or Rehome) programme (TNR).
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Connie Tan said there were about 10,000 stray dogs on Penang island.
“We have managed to achieve about 48% so far, and we hope to increase the number further,” she said, adding that the council had been working with Independent Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) Penang to control the population of stray and abandoned dogs since 2018.
Tan, who is the council’s Stray and Abandoned Dogs sub-committee chairman, then spoke about a special programme called the ‘TNR For A Sustainable Balik Pulau’ programme.
“The programme is aimed at controlling the population of stray and abandoned dogs in Balik Pulau through TNR.
“There are many hilly areas and farms in Balik Pulau which make our effort to control the population of stray and abandoned dogs more challenging than in the northeast district,” she said in her speech before witnessing a contribution of RM40,000 by Pentamaster Technology (M) Sdn Bhd to IAPWA Penang in support of the ‘TNR For A Sustainable Balik Pulau’ programme.
The mock cheque presentation ceremony was held at City Hall today. It was attended by MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang, council secretary Datuk A. Rajendran, and Pentamaster Technology (M) Sdn Bhd executive chairman Chuah Choon Bin.
Tan urged dog owners to spay their dogs.
“Meanwhile, dog lovers should adopt instead of shopping for dogs,” she said.
IAPWA Penang president Choong Koon Yean said there was a lack of awareness among the people on the importance of neutering dogs.
“Secondly, dog owners were concerned about the logistics, costs, and access to veterinarians.
“Some farmers are also breeding dogs on purpose to guard their farms,” she spoke about the situation in Balik Pulau.
“The population of stray and abandoned dogs will get worse if the situation is not controlled.
“The ‘TNR For A Sustainable Balik Pulau’ programme allows us to provide the logistics and neutering service to the farmers in Balik Pulau for free. This is a way for us to encourage them to stop breeding and abandon the dogs.
“If the farmers need more dogs, they can adopt the dogs from us.
“We aim at neutering 200 dogs in Balik Pulau this year through this programme.
“We will only accept healthy, injury-free, and fit-for-neutering dogs above four months.
“We will collect the dogs, bring them to the vet, neuter them, and return them to the owners after rehab. The service will be free, thanks to the sponsorship by Pentamaster,” Choong said.
She lauded the council for taking a proactive and effective approach to managing stray dogs and paying attention to areas that need extra focus.
Yew said the council would work with the Penang Fruit Farmers Association to make this programme a success.
He also urged dog owners to obtain and renew their dog licences. The application can be made through ulesen.mbpp.gov.my
Chuah was honoured to represent Pentamaster in supporting the TNR programme.
“We believe in giving back to society. We feel for the stray and abandoned dogs.
“They face countless dangers, and hardships, and are subject to abuse.
“We strongly feel that we should play our part to help them and the state,” Chuah said.
For more details and to take part in the ‘TNR For A Sustainable Balik Pulau’ programme, call the MBPP at 04-2810850 or WhatsApp IAPWA at 010-3883487.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud