KOTA KINABALU: Public awareness on animal care and welfare is still lacking, while a widespread refusal to neuter pets keeps adding to the stray population, says a Sabah lawmaker.
Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang said this problem affects not only the overall wellbeing of animals but also the residents of a community.
“The increasing number of non-neutered pets in communities has resulted in a growing population of strays. This affects the overall... quality of life of our residents,” she said at a recent pet welfare awareness talk and neutering programme in the district.
Lasimbang said overpopulation of strays leads to more abandoned and neglected animals that pose challenges to the community.
“There were also concerns of dogs acting aggressively towards humans, and the fear of rabies,” she added.
“Awareness (of animal welfare) and caring for pets are very important. The efforts of activists, animal lovers' groups and veterinary officials are not enough,” she said.
Wide-ranging community cooperation was needed, she added.
The event also saw talks by the Veterinary Services Department on various topics including enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, cruelty towards animals, and the five principles of animal freedoms.
Other speakers gave advice on dealing with common pet ailments and the benefits of vaccination.
A representative from the Penampang District Council advocated licensing of pets as a way to control the animal population.
He said local authorities had insufficient long-term shelters or pounds for strays and so many animals had to be put to sleep after 14 days of not being claimed.
