Horses the stars of the day

Stories by CHARLES FERNANDEZ, THO XIN YI and OH ING YEEN
metro@thestar.com.my - 20/7/2010

This is an extract from the Star paper in respect of the carnival in Bandar Puteri 8  that we took part last Saturday. For those who have missed out the article, you can read it here.

SIX police horses were the centre of attention at The Star’s People’s Voice – You’ve Got the Power – Carnival at Bandar Puteri, Puchong, last Saturday.

Both adults and children, who seldom had the chance to get up close with the animals, were excited to approach the mounted police officers.

Some held out their hands timidly to touch the horses and were awed by their friendliness.

The police team led by Serdang district police chief Supt Abdul Razak Elias also set up an educational booth to display information on drugs and exhibit photos of crime cases and accidents.

Star attraction: Curious residents getting close to the police horses.

On the other side of the park, the residents shared some fun moments with another kind of four-legged friends — puppies brought over by Paws Mission.

The independent dog rescue group (http://everydoghasitsday09.blogspot.com/) was set up in August last year by a group of dog-loving friends.

“We came to know Aunty Kiew, who fed about 40 to 50 stray dogs a day in Old Klang Road.

“A temple there generously allowed us to use its land to provide a shelter for the dogs,” April Teo said.

Other than raising funds through the sale of lanyards, towels and dog snacks at the carnival, the Paws Mission also hoped visitors would adopt the puppies and give them a home.

Good job: Maman (left) speaking to Yeoh (right) and Supt Abdul Razak during the carnival.

Caricature artist Khairul Izzuddin’s stall was surrounded by parents and children, waiting patiently for their portraits to be sketched.

Armed with at least five years of experience, Khairul knows what the people fancy.
“Western caricatures often exaggerate too much but Malaysians prefer a cute representation of themselves,” he said.

The event saw families enjoying a Saturday morning at the carnival with children jumping up and down in the inflatable castles while the adults checked out the booths.

Bandar Puteri 8 resident Lai Lee Buay, who was with her two daughters, felt the pet adoption drive was a good effort in raising the people’s awareness.

“I told my daughters that dogs are living beings too and this is what happens to them after being abandoned by their owners,” the 35-year-old said.

Furry friends: Residents playing with the puppies brought over by PAWS Mission.

On the dialogue with the police, Lai said it created a platform for the residents to get closer to the men in blue.
Another resident, Penny Lim, hoped the police would increase their presence in the neighbourhood.

“We are currently engaging security guards, which I feel is a necessary move. I need to have peace of mind knowing that my three children will be safe when they are out playing in the park,” she said.

The carnival was launched at about 11am with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Abdul Razak, The Star deputy group chief editor 1 David Yeoh and Bandar Puteri residents association representatives.

In another note,

 

Yan Wei (pink) and her friend Chi Lan (black) waiting patiently for the questions and answer session to voice out their view on the stary dogs issue.

Bandar Puteri 12 resident Ng Yan Wei suggested a more ethical and humane approach to tackling the problem of stray dogs.

She advocated spaying and neutering strays instead of putting them to sleep.

“I’ve heard cases where the dog-catchers man-handle the dogs. I hope that there is an ethical way to solve this problem, that will please both dog-lovers and those who do not want strays in their neighbourhood.

“There are about 10 stray dogs in my neighbourhood and they seem tame and have not harmed anyone,” she said, adding that she has sent a stray dog for spaying.

Both Yan Wei and Chi Lan also urged the public to support our work during the speak out session.

Paws Mission would like to give the two of you a big applause for your great work and effort in bringing up the issue. It is so nice to have the chance to meet both of you and we hope to be able to see you in our doggie shed one day!  Mind you friend out there, both brave and bold girls took leave from work on purpose to attend the function to voice out for the voiceless furry friends!!

We love you girls! Woof Woof!!