Animal Shelter Brunei eyes mass sterilisation of strays

PLANS to set up a free veterinary clinic to treat and sterilise stray and abused animals are in the pipeline, said one of the founding members of Animal Shelter Brunei, after volunteers raised almost $1,700 for the project through a jumble sale last Sunday.

In an interview with The Brunei Times, Sharon Brodie, who started Animal Shelter back in 2007, said that the clinic will aim to curb the population of stray cats and dogs in the country through the introduction of a sterilisation programme.

Brodie said that there is currently no facility in Brunei that assists stray animals and that they are often at the mercy of compassionate bystanders.

"A very kind French lady contacted me to report this sad case in Jalan Muara. She found a stray dog that had cancer tumours on his testicles, throat and muzzle. In the end, we had to euthanise the dog as it was too late to save it. The lady kindly paid for the euthanasia. This is just one horrific way a stray dog dies in Brunei and there are so many more sad cases," she said.

Brodie said that animal-lovers who come across strays often pay for the sterilisation out of their own pocket, which can cost between $150 to $200 per animal.

"Instead of paying hundreds of dollars each time to sterilise an animal, it's better that we pool our resources and hire a vet for $2,500 a month, and then we can then perform as many sterilisations as we need to," she said.

Brodie is appealing for donations and corporate sponsorship to fund the project, following the support shown by Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, who donated $16,000 to the non-profit organisation in 2008.

Brodie also plans to reach out to pharmaceutical companies to donate medical supplies and equipment to the clinic.

To date, Animal Shelter Brunei has received two portacabins from a private company, which will eventually serve as their office and veterinary clinic.

"At this point, it is very hard to say when the clinic will be up and running. We have been relying solely on fund-raising activities and donations," Brodie explained.

"I would like to aim for a target amount to raise. It's a challenge that we and the public can work towards, and as the amount gets smaller and smaller, people will get excited about the progress," she added.

Brodie also emphasised that taking stray animals off the streets will prevent them from becoming a public nuisance by rummaging for food and scaring young children.

It will also prevent more serious concerns, such as dog attacks, she said.

"Packs of wild dogs with behavioural problems can be humanely euthanised. But dogs rarely attack unless provoked. They are often starving and looking for food just about anywhere. Some animals are also traumatised by physical abuse inflicted by cruel owners," she said.

With an estimated 37,000 stray dogs and cats in the country, Brodie added that culling strays will only work in the short term, and that sterilisation is a much more effective long-term solution.

Brodie said she hopes the shelter will soon form a partnership project with the government to provide free sterilisation for stray and abandoned animals.

"I really hope that private companies and members of the public will rally to the cause by donating their time and money to help all the abused animals in Brunei," she said.

The Brunei Times