Don’t blame the Selangor Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for putting animals to sleep, says Paws Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).

“When one hands over unwanted pets to animal shelter homes, they should be prepared for such consequences,” said PAWS committee member Chris Ng when contacted by The Malay Mail.

“Putting some animals to sleep is a harsh reality because there are more pets surrendered than adopted.”

Ng said members of PAWS and SPCA are animal lovers and it is not easy for them to put the animals to sleep.

“We cannot afford to feed all pets handed over, and overcrowding can also result in more sick animals.”

Ng said people should ensure that their pets do not overbreed to the extent that the owners could no longer afford their upkeep.

“At the end of the day, SPCA is doing a service to the public. They have the welfare of the animals at heart,” he said.

“When one brings in animals for adoption, one should ask about the chances of adoption and what happens if no one comes to adopt the animals, as putting the animals to sleep is one of the possibilities.”

Yesterday, The Malay Mail front-page a report that Aliff Lam Abdullah and his daughters, Anis and Adlinor, were shocked when told by a SPCA officer that their pet cat, Merah, and its four kittens had been put to sleep four days after being taken to the SPCA.

Anthony Thanasayan, director and trainer of Bivai Special Dogs, said his heart goes out to 12-year-old Anis and nine-year-old Adlinor.

“I am sure SPCA wishes there was an alternative to dealing with surrendered animals no one wants to adopt,” said Thanasayan.

“It is indeed tragic that in this day and age one has to resort to drastic measures for unwanted animals. However, it is the most humane and painless way.”

Thanasayan noted that unwanted pets which become strays have to fend for themselves against hunger and other predators, and from being chased by humans who consider them a nuisance.