Spca selangor world animal day - 4/10 sun

[melmel]

World Animal Day: PJ to launch ‘Dog Forum’

ARE dogs man’s best friend, or worst enemy? The question triggers different answers. As a result, Petaling Jaya Municipal Council’s Health Department is joining with the Department of Veterinary Services, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty To Animals (SPCA), Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Pet Positive, local councils in Selangor and other NGOs to launch a forum, simply titled, “Dog Forum” this Sunday, Oct 11.

In conjunction with World Animal Day, the forum will be launched by Selangor Exco member Ronnie Liu and will see the council addressing problems faced by residents regarding dogs.

Canine Action Team committee chairman Anthony Sivabalan Thanasayan said the forum is a great ground as it brings all the forces together.

“The point of the forum is to educate residents, be it pet lovers or haters, how dogs should be treated. It’s special to us because this is the first time a local council is working together with the NGOs and the city council is pleased to organise the event.”

“This is important because the council will be able to get in touch with the residents directly. We want to educate them and make them understand so that everyone can work things out together,” he said.

Thanasayan said some 200 participants are expected to join the forum which will feature four speakers.

These are the president of the International Movement for a Just World (JUST) Dr Chandra Muzaffar, SPCA chairman Christina Chin, Petaling District veterinary officer Dr Thiba Rajoo, city council’s Health Department director Dr Sadiah Abdullah and Thanasayan.

Meanwhile, Dr Sadiah said the council faces the problem of many stray dogs on the streets that are not easy to catch.

“There’s a technique to it and while most animal lovers find it cruel, that’s when I’ll come in to give a talk on how we do our job. Instead of being accused, we’d like to explain how we get things done by showing a video of us catching stray dogs. It’s going to be a two-way communication,” she said.

“We promise that all residents will be given a chance to talk about their problems. It’s good to own a dog but owners should know their responsibilities and vice-versa.

“The real speakers are the residents themselves, we are just trying to address the problems and take opinions given into consideration,” said Sadiah.

Thanasayan summed it up with the words: “Most people get dogs for the wrong reasons. “But people should know this, there are no bad dogs, only bad owners.

[melmel]

SPCA Notice Board

World Animal Day 2009

Many thanks to all the volunteers, fosterers, donors, sponsors and friends of SPCA Selangor who attended our World Animal Day celebrations on the 4th of October!

The short and meaningful ceremony started at 2.30 pm, and included a speech by the SPCA Chairman Christine Chin, a pledge to help animals (read together aloud!), and a pledge wall signing session for penning personal pledges and thoughts for the animals.

There was also an Appreciation Awards ceremony, where we recognized and thanked individual volunteers, fosterers, donors, and long-time friends of our organisation. The recipients were given a chance to say a few words, to encourage others to put their compassion into action for the animals!


And the most beautiful and touching part of the day – the candle-lighting. With the calm and quiet chants and prayers by a priest from the Sri Nivas Ashram, one by one the guests came forward to light the scented tea-lights – in memory of animals that have passed on, and in hope of a brighter future for animal welfare in Malaysia.

Emcee Shahrul encouraged the crowd – "Remember the plight of animals worldwide, strengthen your will to help them, and honour the beautiful memories of animals that have touched your life. Remember your pets, our shelter animals, the strays on the streets, animals that are left neglected by their owners, and the animals in captivity who are suffering in zoos and parks.” The tone changed to something more somber, thoughtful, and more meditative.

More than 100 friends joined us for this simple celebration - special guests included MBPJ Councillor Anthony Thanasayan, Datin Nariza Petra, Radio personality Kudsia Kahar, Arthasarathy Sampath (Spiritual Advisor, Sai Nivas Ashram) & his wife Kanaka Sampath, Rachel Ng (former Miss Malaysia), ex-national badminton star Cheah Soon Kit and his lovely wife Anita. Guests took home their personalized pledge cards and free “I Pledge To...” carsticker.

After the ceremony, everyone mingled and enjoyed a delicious vegetarian buffet! We hope everyone will follow through with their pledges to honour, respect and care for the animals around them!