Multiple animal welfare organizations in Ipoh, Perak, are collaborating with Execute AWA (Animal Welfare Act), a nationwide community initiative, to advocate for improved care and control of stray animals.
The Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), Ipoh Animal Welfare Society, rescuers, and private feeders are advocating for the implementation of the “trap, neuter, vaccinate, rehome/reclaim/release, manage” (TNVR³M) program.
Named #ProjekTogetherBoleh, it was introduced in Negri Sembilan by NS Happy Paws in partnership with the Rembau District Council and Execute AWA last November.
The president of ISPCA, Ricky Soong, stated that even with ongoing discussions, the authorities have demonstrated no real willingness to listen, comprehend, or implement compassionate, data-driven approaches.
“This is the reason we strongly back #ProjekTogetherBoleh, which thoughtfully and equitably encourages collective accountability in managing the stray animal population,” he mentioned during a press conference.
The program marks a significant progress towards establishing an effective, research-driven, and all-encompassing animal management system in Malaysia during a nationwide issue of stray animal overpopulation.
It is not solely focused on humanely and responsibly managing stray populations, but also aims to stop the possible spread of diseases such as rabies, while raising public awareness about ethics and proper animal care.
Soong hopes that the state authorities can establish a new standard for the harmonious living of urban animals.
ISPCA’s goal has consistently been to work together and advance with appropriate stakeholders to substitute old culling methods with more empathy, scientific approaches, and organization.
The president of Ipoh Animal Welfare Society, P. Jassica Morris, urged the government to release all information regarding the management and disposal of stray animals.
We are interested in learning about their strategies for setting up microchipping and source-tracking systems, along with clarity on the implementation process.
“We also call on the authorities to work with us to reintroduce the trap, neuter, release, manage (TNRM) approach to effectively and systematically lower the number of stray animals,” she stated.
Sue Ann Kong, founder of AWA, stated that the government should prevent Section 30 of the AWA 2015 (Act 772) from being misused, as it permits authorities to cull stray animals for population management purposes.
There must be proper investigation into the management of stray populations.
“Several nations are implementing the practice of sterilizing pets, which is a method supported by scientific research and is considerate towards animals,” she stated, emphasizing that euthanizing stray animals should not be the preferred solution.
Kong mentioned that numerous welfare groups are prepared to collaborate with the government in addressing the problem of stray animals.
“We are not raising our voices to start a conflict, but to interact in a professional manner,” she stated, urging more groups to participate in #ProjekTogetherBoleh.