Article: Caring for the abandoned

Friday August 21, 2009

By JEREMY TAN

THEY sit forlornly in cages, waiting for the day a kind-hearted soul would take them home and shower them with affection, failing which, their brief but innocent lives are cut short.

All they long for is a chance, but for the majority of animals brought in to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' (SPCA) Penang shelter, there is no happy ending.

Most have to be put down as the numbers brought in far exceed the shelter's capacity to house them.

These cats and dogs, many abandoned by irresponsible owners while others are strays taken off the street, end up at the SPCA's shelter in Jelutong.

These dogs have been vaccinated and trained in the hope of finding them new homes.

Some bearing the scars of abuse, these animals are nursed back to health, cleaned, vaccinated and put up for adoption.

The lucky few find new, loving owners, but for the rest, their days are numbered.

The shelter's statistics show that a total of 2,257 cats and dogs were received last year, where only 165 of them managed to find new homes.

Speaking during a recent jumble sale and dog obedience demonstration to mark the International Homeless Animals' Day at the New World Park, SPCA administrator Lily Leng said that the society was actively seeking contributions and a piece of land, so a larger shelter housing more animals can be built.

"We want to save these animals; we don't want to put them down. We have gone round looking for a piece of land to build an animal sanctuary, but the cost is too high.

"Hopefully, a kind philanthropist is willing to come forward and donate a piece of land, which would ultimately save these unfortunate animals," she said, adding that they were also in discussions with the local government.

She also encouraged people to change their mindsets regarding designer pets and instead, give the homeless strays a chance.

A volunteer from the Penang SPCA playing with three adolescent cats.

"Unfortunately, a lot of people only go for breeds. But for every pet one buys from a pet store, one from the shelter has to be put to sleep. I urge the public to visit our shelter, adopt the animals and give them a home."

Leng also pointed out that the animals at the SPCA's shelter were vaccinated and in good health.

Although they may not be of pedigree breeds, they are equally capable of showering their owners with unconditional love, lots of affection and loyalty — if given a chance.

SPCA secretary Dr G.S. Gill said it was important that people practised responsible pet ownership and spay or neuter their pets to prevent the problem of strays.

"Towards this end, the society is running a subsidy programme for the low-income group, where they can have their pets spayed or neutered at a lower cost.

"Applicants will need to visit the SPCA shelter and fill out a form which will then be screened by a committee to avoid abuse," he said.

At the jumble sale, SPCA merchandise like T-shirts, key-chains and bookmarks were snapped up by the public.

Volunteer Donna Chee also put the dogs through their paces in an obedience demonstration, showing the public that mongrels are just as capable of obeying commands.

Several playful dogs and cats were also available for adoption during the two-day event.

One, a multi-coloured seven-month-old female cat named Charo, was in playful mood, reaching out with her paws to touch those patting her head, as if begging them to take her home.

The SPCA Penang is a non-profit organisation that depends entirely on public donations and fundraising events. It currently needs a piece of land for a purpose-built shelter, and is also accepting donations in the form of food or cash.

Cheques or money orders should be made out to SPCA Penang, Jalan Jeti Jelutong, 11600 Penang.

For more information, call 04-281 6559 or visit http://www.spca-penang.net for their pet adoption gallery.

This article was taken from: The Star Online: Metro: North 21 August 2009