Exercise 1: Hanson Li 0138750

QUESTION 1

What is SPCA Selangor?

Answer

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to    Animals (SPCA) is an organization  dedicated to the protection of vulnerable animals and the relief of their suffering. SPCA operates a temporary shelter for unwanted animals in Selangor and the Federal Territory, primarily caring for cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs—pets that have been discarded by their owners (SPCA Selangor, n.d.).

QUESTION 2

When was SPCA Selangor founded and who were its key founders?

Answer

SPCA Selangor is a well-respected integrated animal welfare organisation registered with the Registrar of Societies. According to the Wikipedia entry on SPCA Selangor (n.d.), the organization was founded in 1958 by Ruth Spiers.SPCA Selangor promotes kindness and compassion towards all animals great and small, aiming to alleviate cruelty and reduce suffering.

QUESTION 3

How many animals in shelter currently?

Answer

Currently, SPCA Selangor has to feed approximately 180 dogs and cats each month. In 2024, 127 cats were brought in and cared for at SPCA Selangor, receiving the necessary attention and support to prepare them for better futures. We are delighted that 120 of these cats and kittens have been adopted into loving homes, where they will receive the care and affection they deserve. We are delighted that 67 dogs found loving homes this year, surpassing the 64 brought into our care, and we continue striving to match every animal with the right family. (SPCA Selangor (2025) highlighted their investigative efforts and case statistics in the Annual Review 2024.)

 

QUESTION 4

Where is SPCA Selangor located, and what regions does it primarily serve?

Answer

SPCA Selangor is located in Ampang Jaya, Selangor. SPCA Selangor mainly serves Klang Valley including Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. As of 2024, SPCA has helped 86,000 animals find their home since 1958 and 100,000 cats and dogs successfully neutered since 2003. (Same Q1)

QUESTION 5

What are the main services and programs offered by SPCA Selangor?

Answer

The 6 pillars of SPCA Selangor includes shelter and adoption, spay/neuter services, education, investigation of animal abuse, assistance to caregivers, and lobbying the government, and a new pillar was added in 2020 to promote farm animal welfare. SPCA Selangor receives daily requests for assistance through calls, emails, and social media, with many seeking shelter for stray and abandoned animals. While limited resources prevent us from taking in every case, we strive to help whenever space allows us. Our efforts focus on sustainable solutions such as spay and neuter programs and Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) practices to reduce stray populations humanely. Looking ahead to 2025, we remain committed to advancing animal welfare in Malaysia and staying attuned to the concerns of the community. (Same Q1&3)

QUESTION 6

What is the official mission statement of SPCA Selangor as published on their website?

Answer

The aim of SPCA is to protect defenseless animals and to alleviate their suffering. We receive several unwanted, homeless, or abused animals every month. We provide an adoption program, investigation of cruelty reports, humane education, assistance to community animal caregivers and run a dedicated, low-cost neuter clinic. (Same Q3)

QUESTION 7

What significant milestones has the organization achieved ever since its founding?

Answer

One of the most impactful programs in this journey has been Potong Royong, which has flourished throughout 2024, leading to the successful neutering of over 2,000 cats and dogs in Selangor and Wilayah. This initiative would not have been possible without the support of volunteers, veterinarians, and generous sponsors who share the vision of reducing stray populations through ethical and effective means. Special appreciation is extended to Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tengku Permaisuri Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin, whose steadfast Royal Patronage continues to strengthen the Stray Free Selangor (SFS) campaign. Since its inception in March 2017 SFS has played a vital role in funding spay-neuter efforts, making a lasting difference for both animals and communities in Selangor. (Same Q3)

 

QUESTION 8

How has the number of animals rescued, adopted, or neutered changed over the years?

Answer

Year 2024 saw a significant drop in animal surrenders compared to the previous year, reflecting positive progress in responsible pet ownership. Meanwhile, 187 dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens found loving homes through adoption. Since 2003, over 60,000 cats and dogs have been spayed or neutered through our programs across the Klang Valley and beyond. Unlike costly and ineffective measures like dog catching and euthanasia, neutering is a long-term solution that tackles overpopulation at its core. Just one pair of unneutered cats can lead to over 20,000 births in seven years. (Same Q1&3)

QUESTION 9

What long-term vision does SPCA Selangor have for animal welfare in Malaysia?

Answer

As we look ahead, SPCA Selangor is committed to scaling up Potong Royong for the next 10 years, aiming for Expanding Operations. Covering more districts with stronger support from local councils and grassroots organizations. Secondly, Strengthening Community Engagement. Educating the public on responsible pet ownership and empowering more individuals to participate in neutering efforts. Thirdly, Enhancing Government & NGO Collaboration. Lobbying for policy changes, increasing funding, and ensuring a standardized approach to TNRM programs. Lastly, A Humane & Sustainable Approach. Moving away from ineffective catch-and-kill methods and proving that TNRM is a cost-effective, long-term solution to stray population control. (Same Q3)

QUESTION 10

How does SPCA Selangor contribute to reducing stray animal populations?

Answer

Our team at SPCA Selangor takes part in 

outreach by setting up Fundraising booths 

and leading educational programs at various       events.We attend whenever possible, 

depending on manpower and resources. We always welcome opportunities to collaborate with 

organizations, businesses, colleges,

and event planners to help spread 

awareness. (Same Q3)

QUESTION 11

How can we help SPCA Selangor?

Answer

We can help SPCA Selangor by volunteering, for example special skills in marketing, or IT designing. We can also walk into the shelter and help the dog training schools and rehabilitation for the dogs. If you can help with adoption and send out the news it will also be greatly appreciated. Besides that, donations can help SPCA Selangor a lot in supporting the expenses for food and medication wise for the animals. The E.R.A. Center continues to provide nutritious meals for our animals, combining dry food, canned meals, and freshly cooked food. Donations of pet food support both our Center's resident animals, community feeders and responsible rescuers. The Center sustains its operations through multiple funding sources, such as item sales, walk-in donations, and proceeds from our charity shop. (As mentioned by SPCA Selangor (2024) in their official interview video…)

QUESTION 12

What are the requirements to be a volunteer?

Answer

As part of our Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), all first-time volunteers are required to participate in the Pet Care Program (PCP)—a one-time training workshop that has been an integral part of SPCA Selangor for several years. This essential session provides an overview of SPCA protocols, animal health, and the Animal Welfare Act in Malaysia, ensuring that volunteers understand the key principles of responsible animal care. The workshop includes a mix of theoretical learning and hands-on activities, covering essential safety measures and operational procedures necessary for working within the shelter. By completing the PCP, volunteers gain a deeper understanding of how the shelter operates and are better prepared to advocate for SPCA Selangor’s mission. (Same Q3&11)

QUESTION 13

How does SPCA Selangor engage with youth and schools to promote humane education?

Answer

SPCA Selangor is regularly invited to conduct educational workshops at kindergartens, schools, colleges, and workplaces each year. Led by our dedicated officers, these sessions cover a range of animal welfare topics, including responsible pet care and ownership. Both individuals and groups are welcome to visit SPCA throughout the year. These visits provide students and volunteers with hands-on experience in animal care while fostering compassion and a spirit of volunteerism. Many schools, universities, and corporations incorporate SPCA visits into their community service initiatives. Additionally, SPCA staff support students by providing guidance on assignments and projects related to the organization and broader animal welfare topics. (Same Q3)

QUESTION 14

What strengths have contributed to SPCA Selangor’s reputation as a leading animal welfare NGO in Malaysia?

Answer

SFS provides 50% neutering subsidy for dogs & 80% neutering subsidy for cats at participating vets. SFS is a statewide effort to control the population of strays through neutering/spaying. The rescuers/volunteers will be responsible for managing the strays. Fundamentally SFS is discouraging the local municipal councils from catching and sending these animals away as the vacuum created by removing the existing animals will indirectly attract other packs to move in.  (Same Q1)

QUESTION 15

What weaknesses or limitations has SPCA publicly acknowledged, examples such as funding or shelter space constraints?

Answer

One of the biggest weaknesses of SPCA Selangor must be the fundings. SPCA Selangor uses up a large amount of expenses every month to take care of the animals and the maintenance of the shelter. Although SPCA Selangor provides neuter services as a means to earn it does not cover up for SPCA’s spendings. Donations will be appreciated not just in the form of money but in resources as well. (Same Q11)

QUESTION 16

What opportunities has SPCA Selangor recently explored?

Answer

In April 2024, SPCA Selangor, in collaboration with IOI Foundation, opened a branch of Bargain Basement at its premises. With IOI Foundation’s generous support in renovating the space, this initiative provides a platform for repurposing pre-loved items while raising essential funds for animal welfare. All proceeds from the store go directly to SPCA Selangor, ensuring continuous support for its operations and initiatives. Through the sale of donated clothing, household goods, books, and accessories, Bargain Basement promotes sustainability while giving shoppers the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause. In just a few months, the store successfully raised RM13,000, helping SPCA Selangor provide care and resources for animals in need. By shopping or donating, supporters make a positive impact on both the environment and the well-being of animals. (Same Q3)

 

QUESTION 17

What external challenges threaten the success of SPCA’s goals?

Answer

In October 2024, a young and playful dog was killed in the name of stray control in Terengganu by the Besut municipal council. When the video of the killing of Kopi went viral and created a massive outcry from Malaysians about how municipal councils handle stray problems. SPCA's Creating Caring & Compassionate Communities (CCCC) espouses humane stray control via spay-neuter by caring communities and selected release of neutered animals into communities that accept them. The bulk of the spayed and neutered animals would likely not be well received in the communities and should be relocated to shelters. TNRM, short for Trap Neuter-Release-Manage, is an ideology that while humane is not practical in its implementation, the M stands for managing the strays that would have been release but the strays would still be left to fend for themselves as they would likely be injured through fights and human abuse and natural disasters such as flooding. Therefore, releasing them is not a practical solution. (Same Q3)

 

QUESTION 18

What does the “Stray Free Selangor (SFS)” program aim to achieve, and how does SFS ensure that it will be constantly working towards stray-free Selangor?

Answer

STRAY FREE SELANGOR (SFS) – THE HUMANE AND COMPASSIONATE WAY has a vision of a home/habitat for every soul, focusing on Humane Education, High Volume Spay/Neuter, Government Lobbying for humane, effective and sustainable ways to curb stray populations. The SFS committee hope to improve on a few aspects in sustaining the campaign and improve the efficiency by engaging and in turn convincing more communities to participate in the campaign; convince the municipal councils to be aware of the animals which are already neutered and to communicate with the local rescuers; educate the feeders and encourage them to be responsible for the animals they are helping. (Same Q1)

 

QUESTION 19

What is “Potong Royong”, and how was it received by the public and media?

Answer

Since its launch in March 2023, Potong Royong has become one of Malaysia’s most impactful mass neutering initiatives, championing a humane and sustainable approach to stray population management. What began as an ambitious effort to curb the rise of stray animals in Selangor has evolved into a community-driven movement, rallying veterinarians, volunteers, and corporate sponsors to work towards a Stray-Free Selangor. Over the past two years, Potong Royong has made remarkable strides in addressing Malaysia’s stray issue through a structured Trap-Neuter-ReturnManage (TNRM) program. With 5 large-scale campaigns and multiple Mini Potong Royong™ events, we have neutered over 4,387 animals—a testament to the power of collective action. (Same Q3)

 

QUESTION 20

How have the outcomes of SPCA’s campaigns improved farm animal welfare in Malaysia?

Answer

World Animal Day 2024 was celebrated on October 26, 2024, at SPCA Selangor, bringing together animal lovers, advocates, and stakeholders to champion the cause of animal welfare. This year’s theme, “Snip & Share, Together We Care,” emphasized the crucial role of spaying and neutering in managing the stray animal population while fostering a community-driven approach to animal care. A major highlight was the recognition of the Stray Free Selangor (SFS) initiative and the remarkable success of Potong Royong, a large-scale spay-and-neuter program. With over 2,496 animals sterilized across various districts this year and 13,793 animals spayed and neutered under SFS as of 2023, these initiatives continue to make a lasting impact. Additionally, through dedicated fundraising efforts, an impressive RM363,000 was raised to further support the Stray Free Selangor (SFS) program, strengthening ongoing spay-and-neuter initiatives. This year’s celebration also reinforced SPCA Selangor’s Creating Caring and Compassionate Communities (CCCC) initiative, which advocates for empathy and collaboration among municipal councils, residents, rescuers, and stakeholders to address animal welfare issues humanely. Through CCCC, efforts are being made to encourage municipal councils to shift towards ethical stray animal management practices, prioritizing spay/neuter programs and rehoming efforts over outdated catch-and-kill methods. (Same Q3)

CONCLUSION

SPCA Selangor is one powerful force in Malaysia contributing to animal welfare. Despite lacking resources and constant challenges, it remains thriving to help stray animals especially with campaigns such as “Neuter Your Ex” that both fundraise and spark public interest.

REFERENCES 

 SPCA Selangor. (n.d.). Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Selangor. https://www.spca.org.my

SPCA Selangor. (2025, April). Annual Review 2024 [PDF]. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Selangor.  https://www.spca.org.my/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SPCA_AR2024c.pdf

SPCA Selangor. (2013). Interviewing SPCA Selangor Malaysia [Video]. YouTube.  https://youtu.be/KRltije7MWI

SPCA Selangor. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. In Wikipedia. Retrieved July 3, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPCA_Selangor