I AM very concerned about the plight of strays dogs and cats. I understand why the local councils have to get rid of strays, but I hope they will do it in a more humane way as the whole world can see what we are doing due to the advancement of technology.
The recent dog culling video showing Johor Baru Central Municipal Council bludgeoning the dogs to death is a case in point.
We need to handle the matter in a civilised manner.
The public, especially cat and dog lovers, can do their part in helping the strays that would not have been one if their owners had not cruelly abandoned them.
Four months ago, a property developer was kind enough to build a small shelter complete with cages on a piece of land for stray dogs.
It is only a small shelter, but that small gesture can buy some time for the strays to find new homes.
It was an exemplary move by the developer, and I hope other developers will also adopt this move.
There are about 10 volunteers helping out at this shelter.
They all have jobs and families to take care of, but they allocate a little time to bring food to the dogs at the shelter.
Meanwhile, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary (Nanas) and the Johor Baru Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) help to neuter or spay the dogs.
The dogs are all picked up from coffee shops or from the streets. It is unsafe for dogs to loiter on the streets.
The dogs’ presence on the street can cause accidents or someone may get bitten, so I can understand why the local councils have to get them off the streets.
But like I said, euthanisation of a stray must be done in a proper manner.
With the concerted effort of the property developer, as NGOs and volunteers, we can reduce the number of strays in the neighbourhood.
But for this exercise to work, we need people or factory owners to adopt these dogs. To give them a new lease of life.
These dogs can become guard dogs at factories.
I am reluctant to tell people the location of this shelter because people have the habit of dumping dogs. We do not want to encourage this. Two months ago, about 30 puppies were dumped outside the shelter.
Fortunately, people adore puppies so we managed to find new homes for the puppies.
It gets harder to rehome a dog as it grows older.
I am also trying to save some dogs at a different shelter. The local council is checking out the shelter as there have been complaints by the neighbours.
The shelter operator — whether she is aware or not — is practicing some form of animal cruelty.
There are just too many dogs in the house and none of them were spayed or neutered. Some of the dogs are tied outside where there are no shade.
And the neighbours have been complaining for some time now.
Due to this, the local council has no alternative but to step in and stop the operation.
My plea to the local council is to let us assist them in the matter. Let us help in rehoming the dogs. I also hope that more people will help us make the rehoming programme work.
For those who would like to chip in and make the programme a success, can call Valerie at 016-755 1893.
Dr Edwin Singam, 67, is the deputy chairman of Johor Baru Society For Prevention of Cruelty To Animals. He operates a veterinary clinic in Taman Johor Jaya.
Interview by Chuah Bee Kim