KOTA KINABALU: In an effect to reduce the population of stray animals in Kota Kinabalu, the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) will implement the TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release) pilot project, starting April 8 for two months.
This project is a close collaboration between DBKK, SPCAKK (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Kota Kinabalu), IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals) based in United Kingdom and Companion Animal Clinic in Kota Kinabalu.
The area selected for this pilot project is in Tanjung Aru.
TNR is a method of humanely trapping stray animals, spaying or neutering them, and releasing them back to the same location where they were collected. It is promoted by many SPCA organisations worldwide as a humane and more effective alternative to euthanasia for managing and reducing the stray animal populations.
After the spaying and neutering operation, the animals will have their left ears clipped. This marking will make them instantly recognisable as a TNR animal.
SPCAKK appeals to the general public to respect these animals and treat them humanely. If anyone witnesses mistreatment of these animals, please collect evidence such as photographs, video or detail of location and offenders and report directly to SPCAKK hotline: 013-8569100. Appropriate legal actions will be taken against the offenders.
This pilot project is an attempt to address the problems associated with the over population of stray animals in Malaysia. It is estimated that 80% of all stray animals are decedents of abandoned pets.
Pets are abandoned mainly due to economic reasons. It all started with irresponsible pet owners who allow their unneutered pets to breed freely. Within a very short period of time, the pet owners will be faced with mounting food and medical bills. These abandoned animals begin to roam the streets in search for food, raiding rubbish bins, engaging in mating fights and ultimately fall victim to road accidents, untreated injuries and diseases. They also become the target of abuse and illegal meat trade.
The statistic shows that a pair of mature dogs if allowed to reproduce freely will lead to 2,084 number of offspring in just four years. A pair of mature cats can lead to a staggering 20,736 number of offspring in four years.
DBKK has also allocated April 14 to be a Pet Neutering Day in an effect to encourage more pet owners to neuter their pets. Pet neutering services (at a discounted rate) will be available at the DBKK dog pound in Inaman. Male dog is RM100, female dog: RM150, male cat: RM60 and female cat: RM100.
Pet owners in Tanjung Aru area who are interested in this service please register with SPCAKK today (March 31) at Central Shopping Plaza, Level 3 (10.30am-3pm).
For more information please call SPCAKK Hotline: 013-8569100