ZSM alarmed by increasing cases of animal abuse
MIRI: Increasing cases of animal abuse here need immediate intervention from the authorities to stop such inhumane act and to protect fragile lives.
President of Zero Strays Miri (ZSM) Melissa Loh told The Borneo Post in an interview recently that they had encountered more than 60 cases of abuse to both dogs and cats since its establishment in January last year.
“Dogs being starved to death, splashed with hot boiling oils to bone fracture caused by hit- andrun, it was heart breaking to even listen to their cries for help,” Loh said.
One of the worst cases, she revealed, was when a veterinarian found a ‘guli’ (glass ball) stuck inside an eye of a cat that was rescued by a ZSM volunteer.
“A member of the public complained to us that he had
Dogs being starved to death, splashed with hot boiling oils to bone fracture caused by hit-and-run, it was heart breaking to even listen to their cries for help. Melissa Loh, president of Zero Strays Miri
witnessed several kids throwing stones at the cat, however who did the cruel act was still a puzzle,” she said in a sad voice.
Another case was a pack of dogs caged under the scorching hot sun by their owners without food and water.
The plight of the animals, she said, was reported by neighbours who even helped to release some of the starving dogs.
“Information from the neighbours even revealed that after the first pack of dogs was starved to death, the owner would continue to get new dogs and similar fate would continue.”
Even so, there wasn’t much that ZSM could do, as they are only volunteers spending time away from the hectic working schedule to rescue and nurse these poor souls.
“Even though we often received calls from the public about cases occurring around Miri, it is only this much that we can do to help.
“If some of the cases went to the extent that might require the power of the police or government authority, our volunteers could only inform the latter for further action,” Loh explained.
To date, ZSM has rescued more than 600 cats and dogs from the streets of Miri city.
Despite the sad encounters, Loh felt that the community at large had learnt to accept ZSM’s animal loving effort.
“Good Samaritans donating food, cages and money to fund the tens of thousands of ringgit borne by the association to treat the injured animals — every little effort means a great support to us as well as the animals for them to continue to live,” she said.
Recently, ZSM launched its CNR (Catch, Neuter and Release) operation as part of its awareness campaign.
“Previously, we would rescue the animals and bring them to a safe place. However, the expenses are too high to bear. With CNR operation, we need only to neuter the animal and release it back to the original place where it was found,” she said.
These rescued animals are also put up for adoption, with the hope that their new owners would provide them a good home.
Other activities organised by ZSM include charity fundraising, colouring competition for children and walking-the- dog- day for pets and their owners.