By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Jan 26: A low-cost neutering clinic will be set up soon as a temporary measure to address the increasing population of stray cats and dogs before the construction of a state-of-the-art animal village would be completed in due time.
President of the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) Datin Donna Drury-Wee said the project has been approved in principle for implementation by the Ministry of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development and Ministry of Local Government and Housing.
“A low-cost neutering clinic has been approved in principle by Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah and Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian. So, we are supported by the two ministries because the only way that we can reduce the strays in the street is through neutering.
“Otherwise every five months, you will have a new set of litters,” Wee told members of the media after Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg visited her Chinese Open House here today.
She pointed out that one of the most effective ways to control the dreaded rabies was by neutering strays.
Wee also hoped that the setting up of low-cost neutering clinics in other major towns and cities in Sarawak would reduce the number of strays and further prevent rabies.
“Through the setting up of low-cost neutering clinics, we also hope to get volunteer veterinarians and to assist the rural communities. This will be part of our CSR (corporate social responsibility),” she said.
She added that once the state-of-the-art animal village is ready in the near future, then their operations will be shifted there.
On the animal village, she said the plan is now with the Land and Survey Department.
“As for the fundraising, we might even have to go to the international community. I think its better that way,” she said.
Once completed, the animal village will serve as a shelter for stray cats and dogs, and will be equipped with a health centre, boarding facilities, a cafe and a pet-grooming centre.
The facility would be built on a 0.8-hectare piece of land awarded by the Sarawak government, with the built-up size totalling about 10,000 square feet.
The proposed shelter is located at Sungai Tapang, 7km from the Kuching International Airport. Wee said it would be able to cater to about 170 cats and dogs at any one time. — DayakDaily
