RESIDENTS in Petaling Jaya now have the convenience of a pet adoption centre close to their homes with the setting up of such a centre in Ikano Power Centre, Mutiara Damansara. 

A joint effort between the Selangor Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Pedigree Food for Dogs, the centre was opened by Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Yong Dai Ying and SPCA chairman Christine Chin on Friday. 

The centre in the form of a kiosk at the courtyard of the shopping mall will be open from noon to 6pm every Saturday and Sunday until Oct 31. 

Prospective pet owners will find the centre useful with various activities, including pet adoption services, pet consultations with SPCA members and agility tests, obedience demonstrations and grooming sessions for pets. 

At the launch, Yong said one of the major problems faced by SPCA was owners abandoning their pets. 

“Through the activities at this centre, SPCA will provide the community in Petaling Jaya with invaluable services and the opportunity to show our care and responsibility to animals,” she said. 

Later at a press conference, Chin said SPCA would bring six pets from its headquarters in Ampang Jaya to the centre to facilitate on-the-spot adoption for qualified owners plus have a adoption directory complete with pictures of other pets. 

“The centre will be open throughout October. Next year, we hope to have a permanent site,” she said. 

“Our centre in Ampang Jaya receives about 13,000 pets every year. Eighty per cent of the animals belong to owners who no longer want them.  

“We try our best to find new homes for them but only 10% of the animals are adopted.  

“Instead of buying from pet shops, folks can come to SPCA first.” 

Effem Foods Malaysia country manager Chan Chow Keong said it was important to educate the community and change their attitude on pet ownership. 

“Many want a pet but do not realise that pets need to be cared for, too,'' he said. 

Besides sponsoring the setting up of the kiosk, Pedigree is also giving away pet owners start- up packs with every dog adopted throughout the launch period.