80 per cent free roaming dogs not stray, says SSPCA
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty Against Animal (SSPCA) believes that up to 80 per cent of the free roaming dogs in Kuching City are not stray.
“SSPCA conducted a survey in the DBKU and MKBS areas in 2013, and it was found that there are few true strays,” its president Datin Dona Drury Wee said yesterday.
“Most of the animals that were roaming around had collars. They look well fed, they are in good condition, many of them were sitting outside the gates. This is how we ascertain that about 70 to 80 per cent of the dogs that roam the streets are actually free roaming dogs with owners,” she said.
Dona was met at Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation ( IBEC) open day at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak ( Unimas) new campus after delivering a talk in conjunction with World Animal Day, which is commemorated on Oct 4 each year.
“Today is World Animal Day when we remember all animals that live in this world with us because as humans we are responsible for their welfare. As owners too, we are responsible to what happen to the dogs,” she said.
She reminded every dog owner not to blame others if their pets were caught roaming freely. People who felt threatened by their presence would definitely lodge complaint to the authority in the wake of the rabies outbreak.
“You should not allow them to roam freely just because you have the licence from the council. It is not a licence to roam.”
Dona said dog owners were not only responsible to keep their dogs safe, but are equally responsible for children and the wellbeing of other people.
“It is your responsibility to keep your dogs within your compound. Don’t complain if somebody caught your dogs because you let them run free outside. You are not supposed to let your dog roam freely, and chase after children and people on bicycles,” she said.