Now, add to that the constant fear of being harmed by people. Sadly, this is the harsh reality stray animals, both cats and dogs, face every day when trying to survive on the streets.
To prevent more animals from ending up in this situation, spaying or neutering is a humane and effective way to control their populations.
It also applies to pet cats and dogs whose owners are sometimes caught off guard by unexpected litters.
With this aim in mind, non-profit organisation Melaka Strays Guardian Alliance (MSGA), has launched a sterilisation campaign for cats and dogs.
Partnering with veterinary clinics in Melaka, and after having secured sponsorship from anonymous donors, MSGA is offering spaying and neutering procedures at affordable rates – only RM50 for cats and only RM100 for dogs.
To help prevent the spread of fleas at the clinic, all animals undergoing the procedure must also receive mandatory flea treatment, estimated to cost RM40.
The animals, regardless of gender, must also have their ears tipped as a mark that they’ve been sterilised. For those who prefer a tattoo mark instead, an additional RM50 is charged.
Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, Wong Shiau Shia, founder and president of MSGA, encouraged animal rescuers, feeders, as well as pet owners, to take advantage of the campaign, which ends July 31.
She also urged factory and orchard owners as well as construction site managers to sterilise the dogs guarding their premises.
For those requiring boarding, MSGA has secured a special all-in-one package at RM300 for dogs, which includes spaying or neutering (with ear-tipping), deworming, flea treatment, vaccination, post-operative antibiotics and five-day accommodation.
Wong shared that although the campaign is based in Melaka, those from other states are welcome to bring their animals in.
“Spaying or neutering animals also makes them healthier and less aggressive,” said the 55-year-old. It is also believed that sterilisation can increase an animal’s lifespan, lower the risk of diseases such as cancer and reduce mating-related behaviours that may irritate humans.
Other benefits include improved hygiene as neutered dogs are less likely to urinate inappropriately to mark their territory.
According to Wong, MSGA’s primary focus is its trap-neuter-return or rehome (TNR) programme. Strays, she added, are only returned to their original location if the area is deemed safe.
The organisation also emphasises education. Besides organising a sharing session on how to capture strays safely, MSGA will be hosting a new seminar on July 13.
This seminar will cover the benefits of spaying and neutering as well as ways to correct unwanted behaviour in dogs, and how to communicate with them more effectively.
MSGA, Wong shared, is primarily sustained by public donations. She also expressed her gratitude to Goodbye Buddy – a business that provides pet cremation services, among others – for donating a portion of their profits to them.
“We hope that more businesses will support us so we can neuter and spay more stray dogs and cats,” said Wong.
“We sincerely hope that through this sterilisation campaign, we can help reduce the stray population, and the many social issues related to it,” she added.
And she had this to say to pet owners: “Please neuter or spay your pets. Take good care of them, and treat them like family. Never abandon them.”
To register for MSGA’s sterilisation campaign, click here. For enquiries, contact Wong Shiau Shia at 012-259 1112. Follow Melaka Strays Guardian Alliance on Facebook.