The entrance to the Vector Control and Veterinary Services Centre, where IAPWA operates from. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
THE International Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) will continue to work with the authorities to ensure noise pollution caused by dogs is kept under control.
IAPWA operates from Penang Island City Council’s (MBPP) Vector Control and Veterinary Services Centre on Jalan Sungai.
IAPWA president Choong Koon Yean said the organisation had, over the years, taken numerous steps to minimise any inconvenience, especially to SJK (T) Ramathasar, which is located next to the centre.
“We have been in operation since May 2019.
“We even cover the kennels with cloth and towels and only take the dogs for walks around the compound after school hours.
“We also arrange for new volunteers to only come in after school hours to ensure the dogs become familiar with them before they start work.”
Choong said this was to ensure the dogs would not bark when they see volunteers.
She said despite these measures, fireworks had been thrown outside the gate on a few occasions, causing distress to dogs and resulting in them barking.
“Once, fireworks were even thrown into our compound, almost injuring our staff. We lodged a police report.
Theng (centre) and Choong (right) speaking at a press conference to clarify issues raised in the viral video. With them is Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim.
“People have also been caught throwing stones into our centre and even scaling our walls to provoke the dogs,” said Choong.
She was commenting on a video showing loud barks coming from the centre, with a person saying that the noise would disrupt school activities and that action was needed.
“What was recorded in the video was not a reflection of a normal day at the centre,” she said, adding that IAPWA was ready to render all necessary assistance to the authorities to find a solution.
MBPP councillor Nicholas Theng said there were no new complaints about dogs disrupting neighbouring activities, including the school’s.
“We did not receive a complaint from the school but we have spoken to representatives from both the school and state Education Department to address the issue.
“A letter was issued to IAPWA, reminding them to ensure the dogs do not cause a disturbance to the school,” he said during a press conference at the Vector Control and Veterinary Services Centre.
Theng also said he was unsure when the video was recorded.
“IAPWA has over the years taken various measures to contain noise pollution,” he said.
“The school’s representatives did complain in 2022 and we built a high wall as a barrier to contain the noise.
“IAPWA practises strict rules to ensure the dogs are not provoked or disturbed, which causes them to bark.”
While its operating hours are from 8am to 5pm, visitors are only allowed from 2pm onwards, after the school session is over, said Theng.
“All deliveries, adoption and maintenance works are carried out after 2pm as well.
“A staffer from IAPWA will come in earlier at 7am to feed the dogs and control their barking.”
Theng pointed out that although the school was aware of the video, no complaints had been lodged.
“No other neighbours have complained in the past either,” he added.
IAPWA is a non-governmental organisation that carries out mass neutering and vaccination programmes on Penang island.
It has to date treated more than 6,600 strays.
