More pets found abandoned during MCO

Abandoned pets has been a long-standing issue, even before Covid-19. — Filepic

SOME people are abandoning their pets during the conditional movement control order (MCO) and animal rights organisations in Johor Baru are seeing red.

Companion Animal Rescue Effort Society (Cares) chairman Joseph Chia said the dumping of cats and dogs was a long-standing issue, even before the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Owners who cannot care for their pets usually choose to leave them at what they consider safe places such as markets and hawker centres.

“These animals are used to being cared for and will find it difficult to survive when abandoned.

“Many suffer injuries and die. In the case of cats and dogs that are not spayed or neutered, they will reproduce, leading to more strays roaming the streets,” said Chia.

He said Cares received an increasing number of complaints on strays during the MCO, with calls to rescue some.

He added that local authorities must work with veterinarians and NGOs to educate the public on the importance of neutering and make the service affordable to pet owners.

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Johor Baru vice-president Dr Edwin Singam said a litter of kittens was abandoned at his clinic in Johor Jaya.

“I had no choice but to take them in and posted pictures on social media for them to be adopted.

“Luckily the kittens and two puppies, which were also abandoned at my clinic, soon found a home with animal lovers,” he said.