More than 50 dogs and cats need to be adopted today

'stolen from the Star online'

KUALA LUMPUR: More than 50 dogs and cats at the Subang Jaya Municipal Council’s (MPSJ) animal pound in Puchong will be put down if they are not adopted by today.

Independent Pet Rescuers Malaysia is appealing to the public to adopt the animals and save them.

The adoption drive will be held today, from 9am to 4.15pm, at No 1, Jalan Utama, Taman Perindustrian Puchong Perdana (next to the Mariamman Hindu temple).

The animals were to have been put down on July 16 but Subang Jaya state assemblyman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng, who is also MPSJ councillor, had helped extended the deadline to give the rescuers more time to save the animals.

“I received a call from a Malay man who wished to remain anonymous, who said that Islam did not condone putting down animals, be they cats or dogs, and it was heartbreaking to see these animals being put to sleep,” said Lee.

Independent Pet Rescuers Malaysia volunteer Sherrina Krishnan said their main aim was to find good homes for the animals.

Sherrina, 36, said people abandoning animals or not having them neutered was the root of the problem.

“People think that taking their pets to be neutered is very expensive and a great hassle,” she said.

“It is actually much cheaper to neuter them at a local government veterinarian clinic than a private one. This can help reduce the problem of strays and abandoned pets as well.”

She said it was not cruel to neuter pets if one was not able to care for the pets' offspring.

“If they end up in a pound, the animals will be put down, unless a good soul adopts them,” she added.

The Independent Pet Rescuers also holds a pet adoption drive every Saturday at the Hartamas Shopping Centre. Those interested in adopting a pet can call Sherrina at 012-202 6384.