Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Pound Puppies


On another trip to the pound, we were heartbroken to see some very young puppies in the kennels mixed amongst the other dogs caught by MPS. These 6 puppies could easily squeeze through the bars of the cages. Luckily for them, we came just in time to take them from the pound. They're now at a foster home and will be ready for adoption once they're deemed fit for adoption.
Mr Spock (black/white) and Rocky (black/tan) both males, 2 months.
Vanessa (female) and Cuba (male), 2 months.

Theresa (female) and Romy (male), 2 months.

Pound Dogs for Adoption

On our visit to the MPS pound, we took out 3 dogs that will be rehabilitated at the SPCA's animal shelter in Ampang, in our efforts to convert the MPS pound into an adoption centre in the future. Meanwhile, these lucky dogs are over at the SPCA and are looking forward to visitors.

Polo (male), 2 years old, labrador cross. He's just been adopted!

Chanelle (female), 1 year +, labrador cross. Very sweet temperament.

Jazz (male), 1 year +, Picardy Shepherd cross. He's still quite shy.


They're looking for a good home.

Euthanasia at MPS Pound



On the 21st September 2007, SPCA representatives were at the Selayang pound to witness euthanasia of the dogs that were due. However, we only manage to watch a demonstration of euthanasia performed on ONE dog from the pound. The euthanasia was done by Dr Bakry of Vet-Fine (the contractor for MPS) by means of lethal injection through the heart.

It is a sad sight indeed, and not the kind of procedure we look forward to, ever. But this is what happens when there's just too many strays out there. Where does all the stray come from? What else could we do to prevent this from being a common sight? Well, the SPCA feels strongly that the all councils should target the SOURCE of the strays. And one huge source of the strays are from irresponsible pet owners! But this is a whole other story...

Meanwhile, we will still have strays on our streets. And with the strays still around, euthanasia rates are ever so high. And SPCA hopes that the council will hear the cries of caring Malaysians, and treat those strays in a humane manner, even if its due for euthanasia.

Monday, October 1, 2007

Visit to Selayang Pound

SPCA representatives visited the Selayang Pound on 18th and 21st September 2007. We find the overall conditions acceptable, if you're judging by third-world standards. However, there are much that need to be done to reach acceptable levels by first-world standards.

Although there were 7 kennels available, only 6 was used to keep dogs. The last one was used to keep dog food and other equipments. Some of the kennels were overcrowded, but some were acceptable. SPCA recommends that the number per kennel should be kept at a max of 5 dogs.

Generally, the pound was clean. The floor was washed regularly. Unfortunately, the dogs were also sprayed with water, and we find that the dogs are constantly wet. Some dogs had skin problems and ticks, but otherwise, none of the dogs seem to need any immediate euthanasia to end their suffering.

Some young puppies were found in the kennels. They are kept together with adult dogs, or in a kennel by itself. The puppies were actually able to go through the bars of the kennels. These very young puppies should actually be put into separate cages from the other dogs, cages in which they cannot come out from.

Anyway, bottom line is that we're here to help guide them towards better pound management. Now, will they accept our ideas?

This dog is now available for rehoming. SPCA has taken this dog to our animal shelter.
The constant spraying of water on the dogs, kept the dogs wet all the time.
Some little pups kept in the kennel. They're eating soaked dog food from the floor.
This kennel is obviously overcrowded.
This kennel has the right number of dogs for this kennel size.

MissionHELP: Bentong

Volunteers for MissionHELP: Bentong

Mission Help: Bentong was held successfully on 19th August 2007 in the premise of the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Bentong. Staffs of DVS Bentong were keen to have this event right from the start. They have been getting many requests for veterinary services, much more than they could handle. In the end, they were amazed at the outcome of the day.

The main aim of MissionHELP is to create awareness amongst pet owners all about being a responsible pet owner. During the day-long program, an exhibition and talks on pet ownership were held. There were even many one-on-one discussions on pet care issues amongst SPCA volunteers and pet owners.

A small spay campaign were held during the day for dogs and cats. A total of 17 pets were spayed safely by SPCA vets and volunteer vets. This service was crucial to the residents of Bentong, as the only veterinary services available in this town were the basic one provided by DVS Bentong. The nearest place to get pets neutered was a 1.5 hour drive to Kuala Lumpur.

A crucial ally for this mission was charitable pet rescuers who helped identify pet owners who needed the vet services and also to help keep the pet owners up to date on pet healthcare. An enthusiastic team of vet students and vets from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UPM also lend a hand for the mission. SPCA feels very grateful for their time.

SPCA hopes that these new seed of knowledge on pet ownership and the benefits of spay/neuter will propagate throughout the town of Bentong. Through MissionHELP, the obvious benefits go to the pet owners and ultimately to the pets.
Vet students and pet owner having a chat
Happy pet owners waiting for their dog to recover from surgery.

Recovering dogs.


Lots of activity at the SPCA booth.