Malaysia Veterinary Forum (Archive)

Dr. TanDY

Date: 8 August 2006

Source: The Star

WOOF! Woof!” One might expect to hear dogs barking in a park when owners take their pooches for a stroll, or at dog shows. To be greeted by the barking of dogs as one steps into a pub, though, is something else.

But, that was exactly what made the goings-on at Finnegan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant on July 29 so intriguing.

The outlet hosted Bark-Fast, the first-ever breakfast in Malaysia at which dogs were welcome.

There was fun and excitement in the air as dog lovers and canines enjoyed an Irish breakfast and mingled. Some dogs sniffed appreciatively as the aroma of fries, sausages and bacon wafted through the outlet, while others were overjoyed at the sight of the food!

Two dogs and their owners at the entrance of Finnegan's Irish Pub and Restaurant.

The charity event was organised by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to promote responsible pet ownership, with the proceeds being channelled to Klinik Kembiri, Malaysia’s first specialised low-cost spay/neuter project initiated by SPCA and City Hall.

“We are extremely pleased with the turnout,” said event organiser and avid animal lover Diong Chae Lin.

“To many people, their pets are like their children. We hope to see more events like this where dogs and their owners get to socialise in a relaxed casual atmosphere,” said Diong.

“This event is a good combination of fun and socialising for a worthwhile cause,” agreed Douglas Brown, a long-term expatriate who brought along his Jack Russell.

The event also featured a raffle, games and trivia, with goodies sponsored by The Westin, Awana Genting, Pets Wonderland, World of Feng Shui, The Atrium and Puppy.com.my.

“The funds raised will be going to Klinik Kembiri,” said SPCA public relations officer Lilei Chow, adding that they hoped to promote spaying/neutering as part of standard dog ownership responsibility.

A group of children taking a look at the SPCA stall at the entrance of the pub.

To this end, discount vouchers for spay/neuter services at Klinik Kembiri were also given out during the event to encourage pet owners to sterilise their pets.

Established in 2003, Klinik Kembiri is the world's only low-cost, high-volume spay/neuter clinic jointly run by an animal shelter and a municipality.

The pioneer clinic, located in Setapak, is open daily and provides safe, quick and affordable neutering services for dogs and cats in an effort to reduce the number of unwanted, abandoned and homeless animals in the country.

According to the Department of Veterinary Science, in Malaysia, for every dog with a home, there are four others that are homeless, and the World Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (WSPCA) estimates that 80% of dogs in Malaysia are unwanted or abandoned.

Chow shared the grim reality of the animals in the shelter: “About 1,000 animals are sent to the shelter every month but only 10% are adopted, and for every canine bought in a pet shop, another 100 die.

“SPCA will always encourage events that promote responsible pet ownership. We want to show people that dogs can be trained easily and are able to socialise well.”

Meanwhile, the SPCA is holding an Adoption Fest at Bangsar Shopping Mall every weekend this month.

Dogs and cats from the shelter will be taken there and offered for adoption. If you are looking for a furry companion, do drop by there.

Dr Nat · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1834 Location: Klang Valley

I'm happy to announce that Bark-Fast has generated almost RM1000 for Klinik Kembiri! This will mostly go towards neutering stray cats, and stray dogs for rehoming.