EVERY time you see a dog with a notch in its ear in Penang, it is a sign that the community has been working together to humanely reduce strays on the island.
Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said 8,484 dogs had been neutered between March 1, 2018 and May 17 this year under the Trap-Neuter-Release/Rehome (TNR/R) programme through the Penang Island City Council (MBPP)’s partnership with Independent Aid for Protection and Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) Penang.
“This achievement demonstrates MBPP’s continued commitment with strategic partners in addressing the issue of stray dogs in a sustainable and humane manner.
“The partnership with IAPWA has gone a long way in reducing the stray dog population on the island.
“We hope this programme helps to reduce the population of strays by allowing them to live out their lives without reproducing,” he said during the MBPP and IAPWA memorandum of understanding (MOU) renewal ceremony at the Town Hall in George Town, Penang.
Rajendran said the collaboration between MBPP and IAPWA began on Aug 17, 2017, when the first MOU was signed before establishing the TNR/R programme.
“The main goal of this programme has been to reduce and eventually end the issue of stray and abandoned dogs.
“The partnership was renewed in 2021 and this year’s renewal is for another five years.
“This MOU renewal reflects the confidence and close cooperation between MBPP and IAPWA in ensuring that efforts to control the stray dog population can be continued in a more systematic, sustainable and humane manner for the well-being of the community and animal welfare.”
He said the city council would contribute RM100,000 to IAPWA this year to strengthen the programme’s implementation.
“The assistance is to cover part of the operating costs borne by IAPWA so that the TNR/R programme can be implemented effectively,” Rajendran added.
IAPWA Penang president Choong Koon Yean said that more than 1,000 dogs were also rehomed.
She said this was a testament to how well the humane and professional approach had worked.
“This is effective stray management through a public-private partnership.
“The TNR/R method coupled with effective legislation, enforcement and creating awareness has proven successfully in reducing the stray population in the long run.
“As a non-governmental organisation, we are crucial partners who can bridge the gap between the people and the government, including local councils.
“There may be a lack of manpower, volunteers and funding, so this is where we come in.
“Since 2017, we have raised over RM5mil to help MBPP manage the stray dog population,” she added.
Choong said IAPWA required between RM60,000 to RM70,000 a month for operational costs.
“We welcome the support of donors, volunteers, adopters, vets, feeders and those who can contribute to the progress of this cause,” she added.
During the event, IAPWA received a total of RM200,000 from two private companies and RM5,000 from MBPP city councillor Tan Soo Siang.
Also present at the event were MBPP secretary Cheong Chee Hong and IAPWA Penang operations manager Janice Tan.
