Some take the risk to feed stray animals

Helping hand: Despite the MCO, community feeders are still feeding stray animals.

IPOH: While most people are staying home during the movement control order (MCO), some community feeders are still going out to feed stray animals.

While recognising the personal risks, these feeders said they were taking precautions.

One such feeder, who declined to be named, said she could not abandon the animals.

“If I don’t feed them, they might go to a housing area and start rummaging through garbage bags, making a mess and I don’t wish for that to occur.

“I go alone and I don’t have close contact with anybody and I sanitise my clothes and take a bath when I get back, ” said the 30-year-old.

She said many other feeders had stopped going out since the MCO came into effect.

“Some have even asked me to help them feed the animals in their area as they feared getting caught.

“It’s been hard to source for food for the animals these days, as pet shops are closed and there are not much leftovers at markets.”

Another feeder still feeds dogs near factories.

“With most factories closed, there’s no one to look after these animals.

“A lot of eateries are closed, cutting off food sources for these animals, causing them to starve.”

The feeder hopes people would not judge them harshly.

“As much as we care for our own well-being, some animals living on the streets also deserve to be cared for, ” she said, adding that she too was taking precautions like wearing a mask and gloves, sanitising after feeding the animals.

“I also saw a post on Facebook about policemen in Manjung providing food to about a dozen stray cats. I laud them for their action.”

Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals president Ricky Soong said while he understood that feeders care for stray animals, they should adhere to the MCO.

“I don’t encourage people to go out and feed the strays but I also cannot stop them from doing so.

“They can care for the animals but they should also look after their own health and of their family members, ” he said.