Penang’s TNR Programme Sees 8,484 Stray Dogs Neutered Since 2018

Penang Island has not culled any stray dogs since the introduction of its Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) programme in 2018, with 8,484 dogs neutered under the initiative to date.

Penang Island City Council (MBPP) Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the programme, which began on March 1, 2018, was established through a collaboration with the Independent Aid for Protection and Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) Penang. He described TNR as a more humane and effective approach to managing the population of stray and abandoned dogs.

Speaking at the signing of a memorandum of understanding to extend the collaboration for another five years, Rajendran said the latest agreement marks the third continuation of the partnership between MBPP and IAPWA.

“As of May 17, a total of 8,484 dogs have been successfully neutered under this programme,” he said.

Under the partnership, MBPP provides an operations centre as well as a stray and abandoned dog control centre for IAPWA, while the council covers the maintenance and utility costs of the facilities.

MBPP has also allocated RM100,000 to IAPWA to support part of its operational costs and ensure the TNR programme can continue. Rajendran also urged dog owners to register and obtain licences for their pets through the MBPP website, with the licence fee set at RM10 per year.

Meanwhile, IAPWA Penang president Choong Koon Yean said no stray dogs had been killed by the city council on the island throughout the eight-year collaboration. In addition to the 8,484 dogs neutered, around 1,000 stray dogs have also been rehomed through the initiative.

Choong said the programme demonstrated that humane and professional stray management could be effective when supported through public-private partnerships. She added that Penang’s approach could potentially serve as a model for other parts of Malaysia.

Since its registration in 2017, IAPWA has raised more than RM5 million towards managing Penang’s stray animal population. However, Choong said the organisation currently requires between RM60,000 and RM70,000 each month to sustain the programme and continues to welcome donations and volunteers.

Source / Image Credit : Malay Mail