Delegates at AFA International Conference listening to a keynote address.
Dr Jerip (centre) accepts a memento on behalf of Wong from Wee while D’Cruz looks on. — Photo from Jeffery Mostapa.
KUCHING: The theme of Asia for Animals Conference (AfA) Borneo 2015 ‘Partnership Breed Success’ is a timely affair and much welcomed in Sarawak in helping to build awareness, knowledge and capacity among the government and private sectors, and civil society.
Speaking at the welcoming dinner on Tuesday, Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said the conference would take animal welfare and wildlife management to the next level in Sarawak, and hopefully across Malaysia.
“I welcome this theme as it speaks of the need for all sectors of society in Sarawak and across the world to come together to forge new alliances and to work together to develop long-term solutions to meet our sustainable development targets in a holistic manner,” he said.
His text of speech was read out by Assistant Minister of Public Health, Dr Jerip Susil Organised by Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), the five-day conference held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) will cover a spectrum of animal welfare issues, whether they are wild, domesticated or in captivity.
Wong said SSPCA had been working closely for many years with his ministry, the three local councils, Veterinary Services Department and the police on issues related to the implementation of animal welfare laws and regulations, especially those related to the prevention of animal cruelty.
“Their work in educating the younger generation about the need to care for animals stands out as one of their key achievements. Students from Lodge International School Kuching who delivered a presentation of ‘Responsible Pet Ownership: The Cage Experience’ is a testament to their success.”
Another key achievement is SSPCA’s Subsidised Pet Neutering Programme, conducted in partnership with local councils in Kuching and is aimed at reducing the number of abandoned animals in the city.
“To complement this effort, we are currently working together to plan a citywide Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) programme,” said Wong.
Kuching City North Commission (DBKU) Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai, SSPCA president Dona Drury-Wee and AfA organising chairperson Rebecca D’Cruz were also present.
In her speech, D’Cruz thanked a number of key figures including Wong for his support and role in making SSPCA the only animal welfare NGO in the country with a formal agreement with their local councils.
She also thanked Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg for being one of their staunchest allies in the state government.
The conference continues today with keynote addresses from Jill Robinson of Asia Animals on Dr Dog and animal therapy programme and Sarawak Museum honorary curator of mammals Dato Sri Lord Cranbrook on the history of people and the wild animals of Borneo from an archaeological perspective.