Tengku Permaisuri Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin attended the World Animal Day 2024 celebration at SPCA Selangor on October 26.-AZMAN GHANI/The Star
Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin’s repeated reminders for street animals to be treated with compassion have not fallen on deaf ears.
Selangor executive councillor in charge of local councils Datuk Ng Suee Lim (pic) said plans are underway in the state to explore the Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage (TNRM) method of stray management in 2025.
“We will emphasise neutering street cats and dogs as recommended by the Tengku Permaisuri,’’ said Ng.
“We will also formulate new standard operating procedures for local councils regarding dog catching, encompassing a more humane method that will not cause pain and suffering to the animals.”
Ng said the state was aware of the grouses voiced on the plight of street animals and sought to address the matter amicably.
Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin’s concern for street animals has also inspired M. Kamini to do more for the welfare of destitute cats and dogs.She has formed an organisation aptly named HEART Animal Welfare Society, which was recently launched by retired Court of Appeal judge and former Suhakam commissioner Datuk Mah Weng Kwai.
Datuk Ng Suee Lim held a press conference addressing the 2024 assessment for villages in Selangor. 29 JANUARY —CHAN TAK KONG/The Star/BRUCE LEE
As the president of the society, Kamini says her organisation will focus on several areas such as education on pet ownership, TNRM as well as helping independent rescuers raise funds to neuter and treat street animals.
“One of our targeted activities is to go to schools and teach children about animal appreciation and responsible pet ownership.
“Many pet owners tend to dump their unwanted pets or abandon them in veterinary clinics. We have to educate people to stop doing this as pets have feelings too,” said Kamini.
She added that many pets had been abandoned at her father Dr K. Manikam’s animal hospital in Batu Caves over the years.
As for TNRM, Dr Manikam has built a special wing at his animal hospital for street animals to recuperate after getting neutered.“We have been neutering street animals for independent rescuers and animal welfare organisations for quite some time now.
Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin's compassion for street animals has inspired M. Kamini to improve the welfare of stray cats and dogs.
“We also realise that independent rescuers struggle to pay the bill when neutering street animals, so HEART will help raise funds for them,” said Kamini, adding that the animal hospital offers a subsidised cost for neutering street animals.
She said her organisation would also embark on collaborative community action with veterinarians, animal rescuers and volunteers to ultimately empower the community to protect street animals.
