ANIMAL welfare advocate Datin Lai Siew Kuen urges Kota Kinabalu Mayor Sabin Samitah to accept a veterinary clinic’s proposal to implement a “neuter first, pay later” scheme.
Lai expressed her happiness over the recent neutering of 12 stray dogs captured by the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), with the clinic being paid about two weeks after the procedures. She noted that this shows DBKK’s commitment to addressing the stray dog issue.
She stated, “DBKK officials informed the veterinary clinic’s management that they would continue capturing stray dogs and housing them in DBKK shelters. However, they would only send the animals for neutering after receiving their next allocation of funds. Unfortunately, they are uncertain about when the funds will arrive, which is worrying.”
“From what I understand, the veterinary clinic immediately and generously proposed a ‘neuter now, pay later’ arrangement. They suggested that DBKK send captured stray dogs for neutering as soon as possible to prevent them from reproducing while waiting for funds. As for payment, it can be settled later once the funds are available. This is a special concession from the clinic because they prioritize solving Kota Kinabalu’s stray dog problem.”
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“I hope the mayor can adopt a more flexible approach to this issue. Dealing with stray animals is different from handling other matters. For other issues, if funds are delayed, operations can be paused. However, animals reproduce. Dogs, for example, can give birth to three to four litters a year, with each litter producing six to ten puppies. This rapid reproduction only exacerbates the social problem of increasing stray dog populations. Only large-scale and prompt neutering efforts can effectively solve a region’s stray animal issue.”
“If we are neutering stray dogs on one side but allowing them to reproduce unchecked due to bureaucratic delays, the entire effort of capturing and neutering stray dogs becomes meaningless.”
She gave an example: “If DBKK spends money to neuter five dogs, but captured female dogs elsewhere give birth to 20 puppies, it does nothing to reduce the stray dog population in Kota Kinabalu.”
While Lai understands that DBKK must adhere to government payment procedures, she highlighted the urgency of the situation.
“Pregnant female dogs will not stop giving birth just because the funds haven’t been disbursed,” she said, urging the mayor to adopt a flexible approach to address this unique circumstance. – Received from Fair
