Shocking Press Statement From SPCA On Harassment of SPCA Worker

Press Statement From SPCA Selangor

For Release on May 29^th 2009

SPCA’s message to all animal rescuers, animal lovers and the public

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the rescue of abandoned animals, who have no voice but suffer miserable lives as strays, is indeed a noble cause and develops kindness and compassion in people and in turn this creates a better society that is caring, humane and protective of the vulnerable. In all good causes there will be transgressions by extremist groups who take things into their own hands, violating the privacy of people and not adhering to proper procedures in their efforts.

SPCA urges all animal rescuers to respect the privacy of all in their cause and to put an end to bickering that often stem from unwarranted sources. Sensationalising and distorting an issue, discourteous slandering of characters and general misinformation without finding out the truth are appearing in unchecked blogs and toxic forums.

Visit At Midnight To SPCA Volunteers House

SPCA is extremely distressed that Furry Friends Farm (FFF) supporter and volunteer, Daniel together with YB Edward Lee of MBPJ and his son Simon and Mark (from MBPJ) went to an SPCA volunteer Jorg Bandlow’s house at almost midnight on Wednesday, 27^th of May 2009.

The group harassed Jorg, and his wife SPCA employee, Education Officer, Shahrul Baharin. The couple are dedicated animal rescuers and have rescued 13 dogs and several cats that share their humble home. Living this life to help dogs and working for SPCA to educate the new generation to be kind to animals has brought them so much distress that Shahrul, who is 3 months pregnant, is suffering from the trauma of this intimidation. Shahrul has lodged a police report (attached) that they harassed her and her husband, alleging that Jorg had stolen a dog called Kuning from Pulau Selat Kering, where the SPCA rescue and relief team were rescuing abandoned dogs. Jorg had told them that he did not take the dog, and the visitors were allowed to take a tour of the house to search for him – he was not there as stated.

SPCA Chairperson receives call at midnight

SPCA Chairperson, Christine Chin, received a call around midnight on 27^th May 2009 urging me to call Jorg to “let us in to look for Kuning”. Despite my pleas that it’s almost midnight and why this witch-hunt is on, the caller says ‘ask him to open and let us in if he does not have the dog”. I said it was so late and it’s the house-owners prerogative but he would not listen. I was afraid that anything untoward may have happened and I called Jorg immediately who said the 4 men just left and they have their names and were going to make a police report straightaway.

Clarifying rumours that have appeared in blogs and frums

1. Rumors About FFF Eviction

Many rumors are circulating that SPCA is trying to influence the owner of the Furry Friends Farm land to evict them. However, to the contrary – The owner has been contacting SPCA since late last year to help her, as she had been trying unsuccessfully to get FFF to move away. The owner of the property said she was only worried about the welfare of the 80 plus dogs there, and asked SPCA if they could take the dogs in. However, SPCA declined as our shelter is really full, and we are constantly overwhelmed with the amount of animals being surrendered here. We leave it to the owner to decide how she wants to proceed.

2. Trespassers to FFF

There are also allegations that SPCA is involved in trespassing into the FFF compound in the last few weeks, but this is completely untrue. We have no idea who has been going in, they allege that someone has gone in and released all the dogs from their cages.

Note To Editors:

· The Society For Prevention of Cruelty To Animals (SPCA) Selangor is an NGO which serves Selangor and The Federal Territory.

· SPCA Selangor was established in 1958, with the aim of protecting defenseless animals and alleviating their suffering.

· The SPCA does not receive any government funding, relying entirely on donations from the public to support its services & activities.

· The SPCA Animal Shelter & Adoption Centre at Ampang Jaya temporarily homes 300-350 unwanted animals at any one time while seeking new homes for them. The animals are made up of surrendered pets, rescued cruelty case animals and stray or abandoned animals brought in by Good Samaritans.

· The SPCA would like to work closely with the people of Malaysia to elevate the welfare standards for our Malaysian animals – ensuring they responsibly neuter their pets, provide adequate food, space, exercise, care and medical attention, as well as encouraging them to be responsible neighbours.

PET+BLOGSPOT is the online blog of the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (Petpositive) You may also visit our homepage which is www.petpositive.com.my