These are a few of the TNVR dogs awaiting to be released. — Photos courtesy of SOS Kuching
A TNVR dog seen on the street.
KUCHING: If you come across dogs on the streets with bright green or blue chains around their necks be rest assured they are not the subjects of abuse or mistreatment.
The chains are actually made of PVC and they are there to indicate they are Trapped-Neutered-Vaccinated-Released (TNVR) dogs.
This is a recent initiative by Save Our Strays (SOS) Kuching, a non-profit voluntary group of animal lovers who take part in animal rescue operations, trapping, neutering and feeding.
Even though SOS Kuching volunteers have been doing TNVR programmes since two years ago, they did not place chain collars to mark the dogs but had the animals’ ears clipped only.
The chain collar TNVR initiative started one week after Chinese New Year this year, and is done in collaboration with Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA).
TNVR is a process of trapping street dogs or cats, bringing them for surgery and vaccinations before releasing them back to their original surroundings. The initiative will ensure their population doesn’t increase. It is a humane way to control the stray population on the streets and is practised in many countries around the world.
The chain collars on the street dogs also serve to remind the public that these dogs have been vaccinated and are therefore free from diseases.
Because the dogs have been neutered or spayed, they also tend to be less aggressive and less defensive, unlike when they are on heat or nursing their young.
Those who see them around their neighbourhoods are advised not to abuse or mistreat them, but are encouraged to feed them instead. After all, they will exist for as long as the elements allow them to, without breeding more of their kind. They deserve some compassion and kindness to survive.
For more information about SOS Kuching, follow their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/s.o.skuching.