The Malaysian Insight

GOOD Samaritan Dr Taqiyudin Zainal has been rescuing stray cats and dogs for about five years now, but realises that he can’t be doing this on his own forever.

According to the veterinarian, neutering pets is important and the public must be taught on the matter.

“There must be a way to stop the cats and dogs from roaming the street,” he told The Malaysian Insight in an interview at his clinic, Klinik Veterinar Taqwa, in Sijangkang, Klang, recently.

“That is why I opened this clinic, to promote neutering cats and dogs and at the same time, we explain to the people why it is important.

“It brings more good than harm, it is not an evil thing to do. It is better than letting these animals breed on the streets without an owner or proper care. That is cruel,” he said.

Taqiyudin, 31, said many people love to own dogs and cats as pets but do not know how to be a responsible owner.

He said many still lacked the awareness but they can become better animal lovers if they receive the proper exposure.

The Malaysian Insight has previously highlighted Taqiyudin’s handling dogs in a Malay-Muslim society, with the full backing from his parents.

Two years ago, Taqiyudin started a programme to catch, neuter and release back the animals in Klang with the help from the community in Sijangkang.

The operation was also joined by several other veterinarians.

“I invited some of my friends. They don’t have clinics or equipment, so I invited them to join me.

“They can practise what they have learned and at the same time, I want them to help me. I am only providing space,” he said.

However, Taqiyudin is facing one problem – he needs a bigger and more comfortable space to continue his work.

“I really need a shelter because it is not easy to perform the surgery on dogs, especially on female dogs. They need closer supervision after the operation, unlike male dogs.

“If there is a space, we do not need to immediately release them.”

Taqiyudin is hoping that he can build a new shelter for the animals by year-end.

He is currently looking for a perfect spot, especially to place the dogs away from the community in order to avoid any unwarranted issue.

He is also hoping that his alma mater Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) can help him with his plan.

“I have to be cautious because it is sensitive but at the same time, I want to make sure that the animals are safe. Maybe I have to use my own money to buy a piece of land for the shelter.

“In the long run, we want to collaborate with local authorities and we need manpower to catch the stray animals,” he added.

Taqiyudin is working to castrate at least 10 dogs a month.

Lack of staff is also an issue for him.

“It is hard to contain the dogs. There are times where we are almost bitten.”

During the interview, two stray dogs came to play at the clinic. He said these dogs were saved by his team.

“They came to my clinic. I gave them food and then both dogs became close to me. I vaccinated and castrated them.

“After two weeks, I let them go back to where they come from,” said Taqiyudin with a smile. – July 28, 2019.