THE Selangor Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is finding it hard to shelter more animals with the current increase in pet food prices as they are also facing other issues affecting their operations. 

The society said apart from feeding dogs and cats, it is also burdened with other costs such as veterinary fees and lack of adoption for rescued animals. 

Selangor SPCA general manager Kelvin Cheah said while pet food prices have gone up by about 10-15%, that was only one of their concerns. 

“We’ve cut down on the essentials, we can’t reduce anymore expenses as that will affect the wellbeing of the animals. 

“Being a charity doesn’t mean we get things free all the time, unfortunately, we still pay for products and services like normal consumers.

“Food price hike is not the main reason. Drops in adoption, donations and rise of medical cost are the other reasons,” he said. 

The SPCA currently has 131 dogs and 67 cats. 

“We have to make up for the number of meals. Most cheaper alternatives are not sustainable, consistent, or provide sufficient nutrition for the animals.

“We are working harder to fund-raise and on adoption schemes.”

Cheah said it was not easy, as the only way to manage was to not take in anymore rescued animals. 

“We have to control the number of animals because of little to no adoptions, and the longer animals stay in shelters, that will drive medical costs up.

“Two meals a day for younger pups and one meal for older animals is already the minimum. 

“We are finding it difficult to take in more animals. We are working hard to fundraise and find homes for the animals.”

He said funding has dropped by 20% while adoptions are at minus 84%. 

“Medical (expense) fluctuates from month to month, sometimes double, sometimes triple. 

“This includes spay neutering, vaccinations, ecto-parasites prevention and health medication. 

“There are no volunteer vets. We still have to pay for the consumables and services,” he said. – April 24, 2023.