Monkey issues

 Source: The Straits Times, 7 April 2015

 Source: The Straits Times: 8 April 2015

Source: The Straits Times: 10 April 2015

The Stonor Dogs

Imagine living your entire life in an abandoned lot in the middle of Kuala Lumpur. Hot from the sun, wet from the downpour. Your sole purpose is to defend the land. That is how our Stonor dogs were brought to life, their sole purpose to be guard dogs. They would have starved if Mr Yap, a kind man and a caregiver hadn't acknowledged their existence many years ago.  Mr Yap showed them care, affection, and earned the dogs trust. He visited them daily and fed them with chicken feet from his bag of tricks inside the trunk of his car.   

In the fall, the City Council realized the existence of the 10 dogs, primarily because of complaints that the "guard" dogs were barking and disturbing the residents at the condo next door. Mr Yap was given 30 days to relocate the dogs OR the dogs will be culled. 

As the days passed, one of the dogs named Hank, as we fondly called him, passed away from rat poison which we found around the edges of the abandoned plot of land.  Mr Yap and I buried Hank and that was went we knew we had to find them a new home. 

Noah's Ark was our saving grace since SPCA Selangor could not house the dogs while the shelter was under construction and we did not have enough time to rehome the dogs, but happily one dog did get adopted.

Together with Alison and Mr Yap, we worked with SPCA and DB KL to get the dogs sterilized, vaccinated in order to prepare them for their journey to Noah's Ark. 

On 10 January, SPCA helped to transport 6 dogs from KL to Johor, it was tough for the the dogs to be in cages for the long road trip but it was worth every minute.  For once in their lives, the dogs will have a safe haven.  Rex, Thelma, Pen (Penelope), Shirley, Toby and Louise have settled into their new home and they will always be together as a pack.  

Every day when Mr Yap and myself visit the abandoned plot to care for the remaining 3 dogs, we can't help it but to feel emotional because we missed being greeted by the dogs. With SPCA's support we will rehabilitate and socialize these dogs to be ready for adoption.  

We are thankful that they are in safe hands at Noah's Ark without their support the dogs would have been killed. 

By Samantha Elfmont

Animal Advocate First and Foremost

Community Liaison Officer from the American Embassy Kuala Lumpur

Dogs arrived at Noah's Ark.

Samantha spending time and helping to
settle the dogs in.

Giving them time to settle in.

Smelling the air and getting used to the
environment.

Penelope

Rex.

Why no AVA role in scheme to sterilise stray dogs?

Source: The Straits Times
Date: 11 December 2014

Source: The Straits Times
Date: 6 December 2014

Extend reach of sterilisation scheme for strays

I WELCOME the national effort to reduce the number of stray cats by sterilising them humanely ("Islandwide plan to sterilise stray cats"; yesterday).

Sterilisation has always been the most effective way to reduce the population of stray animals. Culling sends the wrong message to the public that these strays pose a public threat, and it is a relief to hear that the number of strays being euthanised has decreased significantly.

I urge the authorities to consider a national sterilisation scheme for dogs as well.

To keep the programme sustainable, sterilisation can be carried out in private clinics, and the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority can work with these clinics and animal welfare groups to extend coverage to more areas, especially those where the stray populations are high.

The areas of coverage should not be confined to community areas, but include industrial areas as well. There are many strays in industrial areas, and the authorities need to step up their sterilisation programme with the help of animal welfare volunteers.

It is challenging but with combined resources from all parties, these difficulties can be overcome.

Darren Chan Keng Leong

Source: The Straits Times

Date: 8 July 2014