Abandoned Dogs Cannibalizing Each Other

4^th May 2009, KLANG – SPCA Selangor Animal Inspectors and Save A Stray founder Jacqueline Tsang made another trip to Pulau Ketam and the neighbouring uninhabited island on Monday to check on the dogs that had been abandoned on Pulau Selat Kering.

What they witnessed confirmed their worst fear.

The dogs have no choice but to eat carcasses of other dogs, as there is no other source of food available for weeks

Upon approaching Pulau Selat Kering, the team saw approximately 10 dogs on the fringe of the island. When they moved closer, a horrific sight unfolded. Several emaciated dogs were crowded and hunched around something – they were hungrily feasting on the remains of another dog.

They were fighting amongst each other for a small meal. The stronger dogs dominated, while weak dogs sat at a distance and watched helplessly. Nearby, a weak dog was screaming because several dogs were trying to bite her. The sound of dogs fighting could be heard in the distance intermittently. The dogs were starving, and very skinny – they had not had a proper food source for weeks.

About 15 more dogs were seen resting among the mangroves. Inspector Murugan walked through the swampland and quickly emptied two 15-kilo bags of dog food onto the sand, and filled up a bucket with clean drinking water. The dogs immediately rushed out towards the food, and ate hungrily.

Upon reaching back to the main island (Pulau Ketam), the team met with the Sungai Lima village head (also facing a stray dog crisis), and Mr Loo (Secretary of Ketam Dogs Catching Committee). They agreed to cooperate with SPCA & SAS on emergency rescue and relief efforts for the abandoned dogs, as well as long-term plans sterilize the dogs and either rehome or relocate them.

Today (6^th May 2009), Jacqueline from SAS, SPCA Animal Inspectors, SPCA Vet Dr Goh and SPCA Kennel worker Maran have gone to Pulau Selat Kering to start catching and transporting as many abandoned dogs back to the main island of Pulau Ketam for rehabilitation and safekeeping. Dogs that are too weak or sickly will be euthanized humanely on the spot, to prevent them from suffering further.

The dogs will be provided with food and water everyday, and will be monitored while confined in cages. Once they are healthy enough, the dogs will be neutered and re-homed or re-located.Thus far, 10 cages have been secured (5 donated, and 5 purchased by SPCA) for the transportation and confinement of the dogs.