By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 8: Around 30 to 40 puppies are abandoned at the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) shelter each month, highlighting a growing concern over irresponsible pet ownership.
SSPCA president Datin Dona Drury-Wee has called for greater accountability among pet owners, stressing that neutering is the most humane solution to control the stray population.
“All the stray dogs and cats out there—it’s not their fault. It’s ours. We abandon them,” she emphasised during Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng’s ShallWeeTalk live session today.
Addressing common misconceptions about neutering, Dona challenged the notion that it is cruel. “Which is crueler—neutering to prevent overpopulation, or allowing pets to breed uncontrollably, only to abandon their puppies and kittens every six months, leaving them at risk of dying?” she questioned.
She urged pet owners to take responsibility, especially in neutering their pets. “If you don’t want to become a ‘grandparent’ to multiple generations of puppies or kittens in just 18 months, you must act. A single pet can reproduce twice a year, and before you know it, their offspring are also breeding,” she stressed.
Dona revealed that SSPCA is collaborating with Yayasan Hasanah on a new initiative aimed at neutering 600 female cats and dogs, which will also include anti-rabies vaccinations.
“We are in the final stages of working with around eight or nine private veterinary clinics on this project. Once everything is confirmed, we will make an official announcement, including through this live session,” she said.
Beyond neutering, Dona reminded pet owners of their duty to ensure their animals are vaccinated annually and kept within their home compounds.
“Even though they have license from council, it does not mean they can be out roaming in the streets. Unfortunately, not everyone is a pet lover. If your dog roams outside and a neighbour complains, the council is obliged to act. If they don’t, they’ll be blamed for not doing their job,” she explained.
She emphasised that keeping pets confined does not mean caging them 24/7, as this can cause stress and excessive barking.
“Dogs need exercise. If they’re constantly barking, they may not be getting enough physical activity to release their nervous energy.”
Dona’s message was clear: responsible pet ownership is key to reducing stray populations and fostering a more compassionate society for animals. — DayakDaily
