Making a pawsitive change

(Seated from left) Furry Hopes treasurer Daphne Saw, Tan, Lee, MBPP representative Connie Tan, Choong and other organising committee members at the press conference announcing the charity fundraising event at Straits Quay, Penang.

THE Furry Hopes Food and Fun Fair to be held at Straits Quay, Penang, on Nov 17 promises tobe an exciting and meaningful occasion for everyone.

On from 2pm to 10pm, it features activities like a Furmazing Dog Race and Purr Cat Universe contest for pet owners, as well as arts and craft workshops.

Visitors can also look forwardto snacking on tasty grub froma dozen food trucks, and be entertained by music and dance performances.

Organising chairperson Caroline Tan said the charity carnival aims to raise RM100,000 for the Independent Aid for Protection and Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) Trap, Neuter and Release/Rehome (TNR) programme.

“We also hope to educate the public and raise awareness about the programme, which is designed to reduce stray population humanely.

“There will also be dogs up for adoption,” Tan said of the event during a recent press conference.

IAPWA Penang representative Choong Koon Yean said TNR method is now employed on the island following the signing of an agreement between the NGO and the Penang Island City Council in August last year.

“We have trained councilcatchers to catch the dogs inmore humane ways.

“They are then transported back to the pound, neutered and given medical attention if needed.

“Once rehabilitated, they are returned to their original location,” Choong said, adding that thisdiscourages the migration of other dogs into that area.

She highlighted that TNR iseffective in controlling strayanimal population as it stops their reproductive cycle, whilst preventing the spread of diseases.

It also reduces the noise caused by fights over on-heat females, which lead to public complaints and pressure on over-crowded, no-kill shelters.

“Results will be seen a few years from now. Since we started the TNR in March this year, we have released 208 sterilised dogs.

“A further 30 adult dogs were rehomed, along with 47 puppies,” she said of figures up till mid-August.

Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee Chun Kit said the TNR approach has proven to be successful in places like Tasmania and India, with Penang being the first state in the peninsula to adopt it.

“These animals are stray not by choice, but by circumstance. It’s only right to help them in the most humane way possible,” he highlighted.

The Furry Hopes carnival is organised by a volunteer committee of 21 working professionals, who believe in giving mankind’s furry friends a chance at life — and will be held at the mall’s Straits Court and Market Street.