Good take-up for mass neutering programme

Animal welfare society and Klang council tackle animal overpopulation with subsidised fees for pet owners

TO address the critical issue of animal overpopulation, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Selangor launched its second mass neutering programme.

The “Potong Royong” Klang project took place at Dewan Ambang Botanik 2 in the royal town and was attended by guest of honour Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, as well as Klang Municipal Council (MPK) president Noraini Roslan.

The initiative, in collaboration with Star Pets Animal Clinic based at SPCA Selangor in Ampang Jaya and Malaysian Veterinary Medical Association (Mavma), aims to control burgeoning stray animal populations.

It has garnered widespread attention for its innovative approach and commitment to animal welfare.

The recent week-long programme offered to neuter cats at RM30 and dogs at RM70, with assistance from veterinarians as well as Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine students alongside its graduates and alumni.

Exhibitors selling pet-related products, pet vaccines and medication for post-surgery were also on hand.

Star Pets director Dr Natasha Lee hoped this would be an ongoing project.

Cat owners bringing their pets to SPCA Selangor’s mass neutering programme at Dewan Ambang Botanik 2 in Klang. — Photos: RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star

“We need collaboration from other agencies and the local authority especially, to provide logistics such as transporting equipment, room rental and food for 50 volunteers every day,” she said, adding that it was difficult to hold such events if parking space was unavailable.

Lee said it cost around RM130 to neuter a cat and RM180 to neuter a dog.

SPCA Selangor general manager Kelvin Cheah said the support of Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and the local authority underscored the importance of this initiative.

“Within the initial days of operation, the project demonstrated its efficacy by successfully neutering over 270 cats, contributing substantially to the reduction of future feline births.

“In addition, over 100 cats have been provided with subsidised services, including check-ups, vaccinations, deworming and defleaing treatments.”

As the project progressed during the week, the same subsidised services were offered to dog owners.

“This marks an important step in promoting responsible pet ownership and controlling the canine population.”

Cheah said the project’s organisers were keen to partner with local governments to replicate their success and make a broader impact on animal welfare.

SPCA Selangor, he said, intended to eventually expand the programme’s scope to include the whole of Malaysia.

“Our goal is to create a sustainable impact on animal welfare that extends far beyond our current scope,” he said.

Noraini said MPK was proud to collaborate with Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, Star Pets and SPCA as well as other contributors and government agencies to ensure that pet owners and pet lovers could care for their pets.

“As MPK will be a city council next year, our commitment is to provide allocation to have this programme again,” she said, adding that the neutering programme was the best way to address the problem of stray animals.