MELAKA: A cat neutering initiative here has earned a place in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) after successfully neutering 202 male cats within a 24-hour period.
The corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme was made possible by Cat Supermarket in Paya Rumput here.
Its managing director Datuk Chew Chert Fong, said the CSR initiative was aimed at controlling the stray cat population and ease the financial burden faced by animal shelters.
"This is a crucial step towards reducing the number of stray cats we often see at eateries and along the streets.
"The neutering service was given free of charge," he said after the MBOR recognition ceremony that was officiated by Melaka Legislative Assembly Speaker Kerk Chee Yee on Tuesday (May 20).
Chew said the initiative also helps lessen the burden on cat rescuers and animal shelters in covering neutering costs, while making it easier for these cats to be adopted.
Meanwhile, Dr Juliyana Abu Sari, who led the veterinary team, said the procedures were carried out in phases following health screenings that began two weeks prior.
“After the screenings, a total of 202 cats were successfully neutered within 24 hours by a team of five veterinarians and seven surgical assistants.
"Of the cats involved, 60 were from three animal shelters, while the rest were rescued strays and owned pets," she said.
Dr Juliyana noted that her team strongly supports neutering initiatives, especially in light of the growing stray population and the increasing number of animals housed in shelters, a trend that has worsened since the Covid-19 pandemic.
