SPCA Sandakan urges reform as shelters buckle under influx of strays

The Star

06-07-2025

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Sandakan has pleaded for systemic reform and public support, warning that current ways of managing strays is failing.
Its secretary Voo Min Gin said the authorities only allowed the trap and neuter part of the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) method.
'They do not permit the release of sterilised animals back to their original habitats, even when those areas are deemed safe and suitable.
'This has trapped us in a vicious cycle.
'We sterilise and clean weekly, but the dogs – many sick or scared – keep coming into shelters that were never designed to house them long-term.
'Shelters are supposed to be emergency sanctuaries, not permanent homes.
'Without smarter, kinder policies, the suffering will never end,' said Voo in a statement.
Some local councils, she added, are reluctant to allow the 'return' step due to residents' complaints or safety concerns.
This has left shelters like SPCA, at breaking point with nowhere to send neutered animals.
As of July 2, SPCA Sandakan's funds, used to pay wages and utility and maintenance bills, had dwindled to RM5,735.53.
Just days earlier, the shelter paid out RM14,581.80 in operational expenses.
These included RM10,414.15 in salaries and over RM4,000 for utilities, EPF, Socso, and shelter upkeep, added Voo.
Despite the financial stress, the shelter has continued its spay and neuter programme.
Voo said out of the 870 known stray dogs across Sandakan, 164 have been sterilised.
The shelter aimed to increase that number with the help of veterinarian Dr Randolf Paza.
However, after settling veterinary payments, their spay- neuter fund had very little left.
'It costs around RM350 to neuter one dog.
'We want to do more, but we simply don't have the funds to keep up with the numbers,' she said.
With the monsoon season coming, breeding is expected to increase and flood the shelter with puppies.
Maintaining the shelter's hygiene has also become harder as the number of intakes rise.
'We are fighting against time, disease and limited space,' she said.
Adding to the pressure is the emotional toll on the small team of seven staff members caring for dozens of dogs.
Voo said managing the stray population was a community concern, as uncontrolled stray numbers could lead to public health risks like rabies, dog bites, and even traffic accidents.
Despite the challenges, Voo said the shelter continued to rely on public donations.
'We are deeply grateful to every donor, volunteer and person who shares our appeals.'
Voo hoped that policymakers, community leaders and concerned citizens would speak up to demand change.
'The strays have no voice. Only we can push for policies that actually work.
'This broken system must be fixed,' she added.