More for animal welfare

KLANG: Animal activists are hoping for animal welfare allocation in Budget 2024.

Furrykids Safehaven founding member Liza Sharif said it is time the government assisted animal organisations that aspire to reduce stray dogs and cats in a sustainable and humane manner.

“Trapping, neutering and returning (TNR) these animals to their original location is the only way when the catching and culling method by the local authorities fail,” she said.

Liza, who performs TNR at the shelter in Seremban, said it would be ideal for groups that carry out the programme to receive financial aid from the government.

She explained that the money will be used to pay veterinarians to spay and neuter the street animals so that they will not procreate.

She also suggested for an annual allocation or token for animal shelters and organisations registered with the Veterinary Services Department (DVS).

“This is for accountability purposes. The move will encourage more rescue groups to register with the department,” she said.

Currently, it is believed that only about 10% of these groups have registered.

Noah’s Ark Ipoh founding member Dr Ranjit Mendhir concurred and suggested that allocations for TNR could be directed to local councils that are in partnership with the activists to neuter street animals.

The veterinarian said the government could also make provisions to allocate unused land for animal rescue groups to build shelters.

“And the temporary occupancy licence cost should be subsidised and made affordable for groups that have their premises on government land.

“My organisation is paying about RM1,400 for a 0.4ha land, which our cattery stands on, and this is too much money to bear,’’ she added.

She also hoped that the government makes provisions to provide funds for vetted groups to carry out educational programmes.

Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better director Irene Low said there is an urgency to sensitise people on the plight of street animals, especially dogs.

“There are many abuse cases, with people doing heinous things to their own pets, and the only way to overcome this is through education.

“Educational material needs to be printed for distribution, and rescue groups can only do it with government help,’’ she added.

Low suggested that the Budget should also address the need for a strong enforcement team, collectively made up of DVS and local council personnel as well as animal activists, to look into complaints involving animal cruelty.

Furry Friends Farm president Myza Nordin has asked for funds for the DVS, which provides animal food to help registered shelters.

“The DVS gives out some food now and then.

“This is a very good move and I am sure that with government funding, it will be able to increase the amount of kibbles,’’ she said, adding that this would also help the department to strengthen its ties with the animal sanctuaries and activists.

Budget 2024 will be presented in the Dewan Rakyat today.