Outrage Over Stray Cat Abuse in Petaling Jaya: Calls for Justice Intensify

As animal abuse cases rise, PAWS Shelter in Petaling Jaya works tirelessly to protect and rehome strays 

By Winnie Leow - October 16, 2024 @ 8.00 am

 PAWS is an animal shelter located in PJ - photo by WINNIE LEOW 

Animal abuse has become a growing concern in Malaysia, particularly affecting stray animals. In Petaling Jaya, there are limited animal shelters, with the first being PAWS, which was established on February 11, 1987. PAWS was founded by a group of local and expatriate volunteers, including foreigners working in Malaysia, experts, and local animal enthusiasts. They started Paws as a shelter for stray and unwanted animals, the goal is to rehome them, provide a safer place.

PAWS Senior Coordination Officer ‘Jonathan Yeoh’-photo by PAWS

Currently, PAWS is managed by Mr. Jonathan Yeoh, Senior Coordination Officer of the organization. During my interview with him, Mr. Jonathan shared valuable insights into the shelter's operations, challenges, and ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of stray animals. Below are some questions I asked and some of his responses.

What are your thoughts on the issue of stray animal abuse? 

It is sad, and we should never abuse another living creature, whether it is animals or humans. We should treat all living beings with respect and kindness. 

In the media, we see a lot of news about animal abuse, but this doesn’t necessarily mean abuse cases are increasing. In the past, without smartphones, cameras, and the internet, it was harder for news to spread quickly.  

Abuse happened before, but it was less reported. Now, with easier access to information, more cases are highlighted, raising awareness about what people can do if they encounter abuse. 

What are your thoughts on the need for laws to protect stray animals in our country? 

We do have laws in our country, and we always keep a copy of Animal Welfare Act 2015 in the office which can also be found on Google. These laws protect not only cats and dogs but also farm animals and livestock. Even in places where animals are raised for human consumption, there are rules to ensure their well-being and prevent suffering. 

Trying to get your attention- photo by Winnie Leow

Do PAWS accept cats or dogs that have been through abuse? 

Yes, we accept abused cats and dogs, as well as other animals. Pet owners often bring their pets when they can no longer care for them, and we also receive stray animals that people rescue from the streets or those born in their compounds, like kittens and puppies.

Abuse cases aren’t very common here, though we do see some from time to time. More often, we get inquiries from people concerned about their neighbours’ pets being neglected locked in cages, not fed regularly and asking what they can do. 

When people report abuse, we direct them to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), the government body responsible for handling abuse cases in Malaysia. DVS gathers evidence, prosecutes offenders, and takes legal action, as seen in recent news of convictions for animal abuse or killing. 

Cats ready for adoption - photo by WINNIE LEOW

What are the main challenge PAWS faces in recuing?

We don’t specifically focus on rescue; rather, we manage a shelter and accept animals from all backgrounds.  

The biggest challenge for us, as with other shelters both locally and internationally, is financial support and space. There’s never enough room for all the stray and unwanted animals, and maintaining the shelter is costly.  

We need to feed, clean, vaccinate, and neuter the animals regularly, and some require medical assistance, all of which adds up. Even when donations drop, our work doesn’t stop. 

The procedure for people to adopt pets from PAWS:

People need to visit the shelter to meet the animals in person. While some request photos online, we avoid doing that to prevent it from feeling like online shopping. We want people to connect with the animals directly because, even if a photo looks good, it’s important to ensure there’s a real connection.  

Once they visit, we conduct a brief interview to learn about the potential owner's background. If everything checks out, they fill out an adoption form and pay a small fee, which helps cover some of the costs we've spent on the animal. All our animals are fully vaccinated, dewormed, neutered, and spayed, so new owners don’t need to worry about unexpected litters or contributing to the stray population. These are the three essential steps we always take. The excitement of meeting new friends- photo by Winnie Leow The excitement of meeting new friends- photo by Winnie Leow

The excitement of meeting new friends- photo by Winnie Leow

How can people get involve in PAWS?

There are many ways people can help. They can adopt a pet, donate financially, or give in-kind donations like pet food or cat litter. On our website’s donate page, there’s a wish list at the bottom with items people can contribute, including simple things like old towels or newspapers.  

Donations are one way to help, but another is volunteering. Our animals need exposure to people from different backgrounds to socialize and become more comfortable before being rehomed. When animals are used to interaction, they are happier, more playful, and more willing to engage with potential adopters.  

Since we have a small team, volunteers play a crucial role in preparing the animals for adoption. For dogs, volunteers can take them for walks, help them get used to leashes, and give them baths. We focus on having volunteers spend quality time with the animals, helping them develop their personalities rather than just doing routine tasks like cleaning, which our staff can handle. 

Finally, people can help by raising awareness and educating others on important issues like, 'Why should we adopt rather than buy a pet?' or 'Why should pets be neutered and spayed?' This education is vital to addressing the root causes of stray animals. 

Have you ever rescued pets that were abandoned in front of your door? 

Unfortunately, we've come across cases where people abandon animals, which is not the right thing to do. They should surrender the animals to us properly. When animals are brought here, there’s a small fee to help cover the costs. Dumping animals puts a strain on the shelter. 

Cats being curious - photo by WINNIE LEOW

What are PAWS' future plans or goals? 

We hope to build a sustainable shelter by collecting rainwater and possibly harvesting solar energy to reduce operating costs. With frequent water cuts, saved rainwater can be used for washing floors and general areas, reducing the need for treated potable water, which should be reserved for drinking and cooking.  

Additionally, we aim to implement a trap-neuter-release program, internationally recognized as the most humane way to control stray overpopulation. This method involves catching, neutering, vaccinating, and releasing strays back to their original locations, preventing further breeding and reducing the number of kittens and puppies left without proper food or water. 

Animal welfare remains a critical issue in Malaysia, and organizations like PAWS play a vital role in addressing the needs of stray and abandoned animals. Through the hard work of individuals like Mr. Jonathan and the dedicated team of volunteers, PAWS continues to provide a safe and nurturing environment for animals in need.  

By supporting shelters and raising awareness, we can all contribute to a future where every animal is treated with kindness and compassion. For more information or to offer support, you can contact PAWS at 017 284 7500.