LETTERS: I want to express my concern about the hike in pet food prices.
As a pet lover and animal rescue volunteer, I have seen the difficulties pet owners, animal rescuers, stray feeders and animal rescue non-governmental organisations face due to this.
The price increase has made it more challenging for owners to provide their pets with nutritious food.
Animal rescuers, stray feeders and animal rescue NGOs also rely on pet food donations.
With the rise in prices, it has become increasingly difficult for these organisations to maintain their operations.
The hike could also lead to an increase in the number of abandoned pets and stray animals.
It is unfortunate that many pet owners in Malaysia do not prioritise the neutering of their pets.
This is despite the benefits of neutering, including reducing the risk of certain types of cancer and preventing unwanted litters.
Unwanted litters can cause many problems, including the spread of disease.
I urge the authorities to address this issue and to ensure that pet food remains affordable to pet owners and animal rescue organisations.
This could include providing subsidies or tax breaks for pet food manufacturers, increasing import quotas for pet food, or regulating prices to prevent price gouging.
I also encourage pet owners and animal lovers to support animal rescue organisations by donating pet food, volunteering their time or making a contribution.
SUZIANAH NHAZZLA ISMAIL
Shah Alam, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times