8,484 stray dogs neutered under Penang programme since 2017

George Town, Penang: In a joint effort between an animal welfare organization and the Penang Island City Council, 8,484 stray and abandoned dogs have been sterilized since 2017, according to International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) Penang. The partnership, which began in 2017, aims to ensure the welfare of stray animals through a Trap-Neuter-Release/Rehome approach, including vaccination and veterinary care.

The latest rescue operation, conducted in collaboration with the MBPP on Wednesday in Sungai Ara, involved the neutering of a stray dog discovered during a site visit on July 24. IAPWA Penang president Choong Koon Yean emphasized the importance of the five-year memorandum of understanding renewed on May 22, highlighting the commitment of both parties to manage the stray dog population sustainably, systematically, and humanely.

The initiative has not only improved animal welfare but also contributed to a safer, cleaner, and more harmonious urban environment for the community, according to IAPWA Penang president Choong Koon Yean. MBPP councillor Tan Soo Siang, acting chairman of the Public Health Standing Committee, praised the animal welfare group for their proactive involvement, stating that managing stray animals requires shared responsibility among local authorities, animal welfare organizations, and the community.