LETTERS: I appeal to the government to study issues faced by animal shelters run by voluntary organisations, like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and PAWS Animal Welfare Society.
This is in conjunction with World Animal Day on Oct 4.
These shelters are under tremendous pressure and are on the verge of closing down due to a lack of funds and donations.
The increase in the prices of consumer goods, including pet food, have affected shelters.
On Sept 25, the president of the Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) said some 300 dogs and cats in its care would be released into the streets due to a lack of funds to maintain the shelter.
The state land authorities are demanding a hefty payment for the use of the state land.
This is due to the shelter's inability to pay its rent arrears of about RM33,000.
The ISPCA is a non-profit organisation. Its neuter-and-release programme, carried out with the support of the Ipoh City Council, has reduced the number of stray breedings.
This programme is studied and emulated by state councils to manage strays.
SPCAs deserve the cooperation and support of local authorities to carry out their goals.
The government could allocate grants for animal shelters. It could call it the Madani Animal Welfare Grant.
S. PARAM
Ipoh, Perak
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times