SPCA appeals for public support
PAULINE ALMEIDA
Malay Mail, 17 Nov 2005

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17: With the possibility of eviction hovering over them, the Selangor Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), is more determined than ever to save the animals and the land it operates on from being taken over by property developers.

Yesterday, it held a fund-raising exercise from 10am to 1pm, selling household decorative items like paintings, pewterware and crystal bowls and SPCA T-shirts.

SPCA raised more than RM9,000 from the sale held at the home of one of its committee members.

Several volunteers and expatriates turned up for the fund-raising event.

“While the money raised will be used for  the upkeep   of   the shelter and to

feed our four-legged friends, we hope more corporate companies and sponsors will come forward with their pledges. We need the support of the public,” said SPCA’s animal inspector Sabrina Yeap yesterday.

On Tuesday, The Malay Mail front-paged SPCA’s plight, having to not only face acute financial crisis, but also an uncertain future as property developers are eyeing its plot of land in Ampang Jaya.

The site it occupies at Jalan Kerja Ayer Lama was leased to the shelter by the Selangor Government.

However, it is under threat of being sold off to property developers. An alternative plot for the animal shelter is being discussed, with Putrajaya being the most likely location.

However, the 47-year-old SPCA is not in favor of relocating to Putrajaya as it finds the current place strategic and easily accessible to the public.

On the average, SPCA needs RM50,000 a month, or more than RM500,000 a year to run the shelter.

Meanwhile, Yeap said there is speculation that the current SPCA site, measuring about a hectare (two acres), is slated for commercial development.

“That is why we are appealing to companies to make pledges to contribute at least half of the cost of the land and we will later raise funds for the balance. This will save the shelter,” said Yeap.