By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 13: Sarawak should look into neutering animals instead of offering rewards for the public capture of strays, says Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He pointed out that the uncaptured animals will still reproduce in six months, and the problem will keep recurring if the authorities don’t ‘snip’ it at the source of the problem.
“We can discuss having Statewide neutering campaigns; we will need the Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) and any of the coalition partners here to work with us (Sarawak government) to do a study on this.
“Let us advance the call for humane stray dog and cat population management and control,” he said when officiating at the Asia for Animals (AfA) Sarawak Conference 2023 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
He also mentioned that pet owners have a responsibility, even under the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) standards, to ‘ensure that the dog does not roam out of control in a manner that would pose a problem to the community and the environment.’
“These are some of the challenges of urbanisation, ensuring humane treatment and coexistence of animals especially within the urban settings, aligned with United Nations’ SDG 11, making our cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable,” he added.
The AfA 2023, themed ‘Education and Engagement Bring Change’, saw 400 delegates and 82 speakers from more than 23 countries converge at BCCK, exploring an array of impactful initiatives, studies, campaigns, and research projects that underscore the profound connection between animals, education, engagement, and the positive transformations that ensue.
The event is supported by the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) and Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak).
The event sponsors included Asia for Animals Coalition (AfA), Sarawak Energy Berhad, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) and BCCK.
Amongst those present at the opening ceremony were Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (MFICORD) Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee; SSPCA president Datin Dona Drury Wee; Asia for Animals Coalition (AfA) 2023 chairman Dave Neale; and Place Borneo Sdn Bhd director Gracie Geikie who is also SSPCA chairperson and the event’s organising chairperson. — DayakDaily
