Kota Kinabalu: The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Kota Kinabalu has decided to suspend all rescue operations and related services — including sponsored veterinary treatment — with immediate effect due to shortage of funds.
“This heartbreaking decision is because our funds have dropped to a critically low level.
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“Our Enquiry Line can no longer respond to rescue requests due to the overwhelming number of daily calls and the high veterinary costs involved,” it said.
It said remaining funds would be used solely to keep the shelter operating and to care for the animals already under the organisation’s responsibility.
Since 2006, SPCA KK has grown into the largest animal welfare organisation in Kota Kinabalu. But with growth comes rising costs. Their monthly expenditure — which includes salaries for 15 staff, veterinary treatments, utilities, food and shelter upkeep — is close to RM90,000.
Public donations simply cannot keep up with the growing number of animals needing help.
During this suspension period, those seeking assistance should contact the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), Dewan Bandar Raya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) and other local animal welfare groups.
“To all donors, feeders, volunteers, staff and committee members, we express our heartfelt gratitude. Your support since our inception in 2006 has allowed us to carry out countless numbers of rescues, rehome and fund veterinary treatments for many of our rescued animals.
“Not to mention sustaining neutering programmes for the control of stray population, conducting continuous education and awareness campaigns on animal welfare, as well as building a proper shelter for over 300 animals and being recognised by University Putra Malaysia as a training centre for their veterinary students,” they said.
As of today, a total of 20,581 animals have been neutered by the organisation, including cases done in partnership with Yayasan Hasanah. This year alone, they had neutered 1,753 animals.
“Together we have built SPCA KK into what it is today and with your continuing support, we look forward to achieving greater heights in the future. We acknowledge there may have been shortcomings due to limited resources as a NGO, and we ask for your understanding.
“And we hope to return stronger once we have recovered from our present situation.”
For adoption services, the public may contact +60 13-558 4515.
Those who intend to donate can contact +60 19-551 9660 and the Charity Shop can be reached through +60 16-820 9660.
