SHAH ALAM, Jan 3 — Continuous education and a community-friendly approach have been identified as effective steps to address the increasingly worrying issue of animal abuse and abandonment, said Persatuan Haiwan Malaysia president Assoc Prof Arie Dwi Andika.
He said community awareness of animal rights and welfare, especially that of strays, must be strengthened through education.
“Programmes like this educate the community on understanding, approaching and loving animals, and make them aware that animals have a role in the ecosystem and should be respected,” he said when met at the Serve For A Cause event at Tomaz Pickleball Club in Subang Jaya today.
He said education plays an important role in shaping a culture of love for animals and reducing cases of abuse and abandonment.
Meanwhile, Serve For A Cause programme president Danial Haikal Mohd Hanafi said the event was organised following a clear rise in animal abuse cases recently.
“We chose the approach of sports and education so the message of animal welfare can be communicated in a laidback, easily understandable, and engaging manner,” he said.
Danial added that activities like pickleball not only encourage a healthy lifestyle, but gives participants the opportunity to better understand animal welfare issues.
The event raised RM2,000 for animal welfare groups to support the protection and care of abandoned animals.
Radio ERA presenter Naja Nabihah Zulkeflee said the sports-based approach is a relevant initiative that could draw youth and families.
“Participants not only play sports, but are exposed to the basics of animal care and the importance of love towards animals and their welfare,” she said.
