THE Perak Pawsitive initiative has been successful in its mission to manage the state’s stray animal population humanely and sustainably.
State housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching (pic) announced that as of August, the campaign had successfully neutered 504 dogs and 376 cats, totalling 880 animals.
Launched in 2024, the initiative combined subsidised neutering with robust public awareness efforts, including the sponsorship of Malaysia’s first children’s storybook on stray animal themes.
“This book has been used in awareness programmes at 10 schools to educate the younger generation about empathy, animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.
“Sustainable change does not happen overnight.
“However, with clear policies and consistent implementation, we are making an impact that will continue to grow year by year,” she said during the Perak State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan in Ipoh, yesterday.
She was responding to a question from Dr Hashim Bujang (PN-Bukit Chandan) who asked about the progress of the programme, new policies to complement the initiative and how the campaign promotes awareness and collaboration.
Ng said new measures included a microchipping programme, amendments to dog licensing by-laws, a feeders mapping system to coordinate community feeders and awareness campaigns for pet owners.
“The initiative also promotes collaboration through the Friends of Pawsitive platform, which currently brings together eight non-governmental organisations, local authorities and civil society groups to create a more effective network in tackling stray animal issues.”
