Visitors checking out the offerings at Furry Hopes Carnival last year. This year’s edition will be on Aug 12 and 13 at Gurney Paragon Mall.
Furry Hopes Pet Carnival is back to raise funds for stray animals and also awareness about their plight.
The carnival to be held on Aug 12 and 13 at Gurney Paragon Mall in Penang hopes to raise about RM80,000.
It is organised by Independent Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals, Penang (IAPWA), which has been running trap, neuter and release/rehome (TNR) activities.
The TNR programme has saved at least 5,000 dogs from being killed, since it began in 2018.
IAPWA Penang president Choong Koon Yean said the cost of sterilisation for each dog was between RM150 and RM200.
Under the TNR programme, an average of 120 dogs are neutered a month.
Combined with vaccinations, medical fees and food, the cost of running the programme is RM55,000 per month.
“It isn’t easy to raise funds nowadays through appeals for donations alone.
“Therefore, NGOs like us need to work extra hard to sustain our efforts.
“This fundraiser also aims to raise public awareness of more humane approaches to managing stray animals,” said Choong.
This is the second edition of the carnival, following its first in Straits Quay in 2022 that attracted 5,000 visitors and raised RM60,000.
This year’s edition will see more activities, including sharing sessions by veterinarians, games for furkids, pet products and services, adoption drives and a mini food fair.
IAPWA marketing coordinator Koay Teng Chin said TNR had been proven to be the most humane and effective way to control the stray populations.
The carnival will run from 3pm to 10pm on both days.
Slots are available for vendors, while IAWPA welcomes corporate and individual sponsors.
For details, go to www. facebook.com/IAPWAPenang or send a WhatsApp message to 010-388 3487.
