CHIN: Abandoned pets, a sad trend at festivals

AMPANG: Christmas is the season to be jolly but sadly this festive season, many of our furry friends might find themselves with nothing to purr about.

While many Malaysians are preparing for Christmas, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Selangor (SPCA) — on the other hand — is preparing to receive more abandoned dogs and cats.

That is because many Malaysians tend to abandon pets during festive seasons revealed SPCA chairman Christine Chin, who told The Malay Mail the number of abandoned pets increases by 30 to 40 per cent.

"This has sadly been the trend all these years. As it is, the number of abandoned pets we receive each month of around 700 is already considered high."

She said of the 700 pets surrendered to the shelter each month, 40 per cent were brought in by owners who do not want the animals anymore.

"On top of that, during Christmas, Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and such, we always see a spike of 30 to 40 per cent in animal surrenders. The owners tell us their financial situations have changed or their pet has given birth or claim other reasons why they can no longer keep the animals."

Chin also said during festive seasons many families with pets prepare to 'balik kampung' and do not know what to do with their dogs or cats. So, they either surrender them to SPCA, throw them on the streets to fend for themselves or leave them behind with a pile of food, if at all.

Many, she said, found kennels were expensive and found it easier to dump their pets. Chin said there have even been cases of expensive pedigree dogs abandoned.

As much as SPCA advocates adopting dogs, Chin urged people to be more responsible and advised them to think carefully before deciding to keep a pet.

"Please be more responsible. Don't take it in and then realise you cannot cope with the responsibilities that come with it or that you cannot afford to keep a dog. Don't then take the easy way out and just abandon it on the street or surrender it to us.

"People should think twice before surrendering the animals. They probably think by sending us the animal, they are being responsible as we can help re-home the pet.

"But, that is not the case as we already have too many animals here. Even the 700 pets we receive a month is a lot and we are barely able to house them."

She advised those who find they can no longer keep pets to source alternate housing if they felt kennels or vets were too expensive.

She suggested owners ask friends or a relative to care for and feed their pets while they are away on 'balik kampung' trips or vacations.