Be more responsible
Malay Mail, 29 June 2003

A LITTLE over a week ago, a local TV station aired a segment at primetime which featured the SPCA. Aside from the animal welfare efforts championed by the non-profit organization, a picture was painted of the SPCA that was less than flattering. The SPCA was made out to be animal executioners because a woman who dropped off her cats claimed that they were put down immediately despite being healthy.

Here, we would like to give the SPCA a chance to clarify any misconceptions that may have arisen due to this programme.

"We inform the people who bring animals in, either pet owners giving up their pets or kind souls who pick up strays, that we will put to sleep the ones that will not be able to survive or will not be adopted, says SPCA's public relations officer Melissa Raj.

According to her, also on display at the premises is signage in three languages which say that some of the animals surrendered will be put to sleep.

Upon each surrender, the person dropping off the animal must sign a form which says:

"I.........hereby declare that I am voluntarily surrendering the above mentioned animals to the SPCA Selangor, for them to do whatsoever the society deems fit and henceforth. I will have no further claim to these animals".

The SPCA receives 1,000 animals each month. Of these, only about 100 are adopted.

That leaves an "excess" of some 900 animals every month. Anyone can do the math and realise that there simply isn't enough room for all of them.

Relying solely on public donations, the SPCA receives no government funding.

Melissa says that 80 per cent of the animals that come are from owners who want to give up their pets. "Pet owners who complain their dog is not cute anymore, their cats are multiplying, (and the best one yet) my child wants a Golden Retriever, so let's give up the mongrel that has been with the family for 10 years.

"We receive animals of all shapes and sizes. There are also some which are abused, aged, maggot infested and mutilated".

Ideally, it would be wonderful if all the sick animals could be nursed back to health. But where would the resources come from? And where would they be kept if they were not adopted?

Remember, squishing 57 dogs in an area meant for two can't be called human animal rescue at all. So, how then are we to give them quality-care?

What is the solution?

It boils down to responsible pet ownership.

Once a pet is adopted or purchased, it is yours for life. While you have him, you must give him the best care.

And looking after your pet's best interest includes having him neutered. If it is a female, get her spayed. If it is a male, get him castrated. This will eliminate unwanted litters which is the cause of the growing stray population.

Like all animal welfare organizations, the SPCA hates putting animals to sleep. But they have no choice.

How about doing your part to make their job a little easier?

And how about making things better for our animal companions?