By: Noor Eszereen Juferi
Photo by: Saleha Haron
SERDANG: 700 dogs were brought together through the Dogathon™ 2019 programme to raise funds for Projek Pengkasian Haiwan Terbiar (PRO-KASIH) (The Spay/Neuter Stray Animals Project) organised by the students of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
The Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine UPM, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohd Hair Bejo said the programme was initiated in 1997 to raise funds to be channelled to charitable bodies especially for the cause of controlling stray animals through charitable runs involving dogs and their owners.
“The programme is a platform to raise awareness among the general public on stray animals and is capable of raising awareness in the local community on matters related to the care and welfare of stray animals,” he said.
He mentioned that Dogathon™ 2019 is a platform to discuss effective measures in overcoming the issue of stray animals.
“Dogathon™ is able to disseminate information about pets to the public from various angles such as responsibility as owners, healthcare of animals, methods to care for the welfare of stray animals as well as information on career as a veterinarian,” he said.
The Dogathon™ 2019 programme themed “Superhero Doggos” appointed Miss World Malaysia 2009, Thanuja Ananthan as its ambassador. Also present were Deputy Dean of Academics and Student Affairs of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine UPM, Prof. Dr. Siti Suri Arshad and On Air Radio DJ, Xiao You and Andrew.
Among the breeds gathered were Labrador, Siberian Husky, Poodle, Shih Tzu, German Shepherd, Retriever and Mix Breed.
Meanwhile, Year Three student of the Veterinary Medicine Programme, Tan Wei Yang, 21, said that he learnt a lot of new knowledge as well as spirit of cooperation between students and lecturers of the faculty.
“With the cooperation of veterinary students throughout the nine months, the Dogathon™ programme could be realised successfully. My hope for the future is for an increase in the number of dogs and visitors,” he said.
According to him, UPM students are encouraged to support and join events so that they learn about the ‘neuter and release’ benefits in order to reduce the number of wild cats and dogs.
His friend, Chan Wey Yuh, 21, said the programme continues to expose her to responsible pet ownership and programme management for the benefit of the community.
“I hope that the programme will continue so that the community will carry on supporting and being concerned about the importance of controlling stray animals as well as caring about their welfare,” he said. - UPM
