New Lease of Life for 220 Strays under MBJB’s Spay & Neuter Campaign

In a heartwarming effort to reduce the stray dog population in Johor Bahru, the ACT JOHOR campaign recently launched an ambitious mission to neuter 1,000 dogs. Over the weekend of the 29th and 30th of October 2024, the first round of this campaign saw 200 stray dogs from the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) area and 20 from Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) successfully neutered.

The ACT JOHOR campaign is a joint initiative between the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) and Social Hero Foundation (SHF), aiming to manage the stray dog population humanely through a large-scale spay and neuter programme. This compassionate mission is supported by key partners, including Vet Partners, whose veterinarians and nurses provided critical expertise, and HOPE Animal Shelter, which is temporarily housing the neutered dogs. Together, these organisations are working tirelessly to create a safer, healthier future for both the community and Johor Bahru’s strays.

Leading the charge behind the scenes, Social Hero Foundation Programme Coordinator Delaney Rodrigues organised this impressive operation, mobilising a dedicated team of 18 veterinarians and nurses from Vet Partners, led by Dr Lee Ee Liang, Dr Teng Jing Hui, and Dr Daniel Wilfred. Veterinarians and nurses from Dr Paw also lent their support, making the event a true collaborative effort. The careful coordination by Dr Hajah Aslinda Bt Salikin, MBJB’s Health Director, and her Chief Assistant, Dr Khairi bin Sulaiman, ensured that the day ran smoothly and that each dog received the care they deserved.

The campaign, marked by a small ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Haji Mohd Farid Bin Hassan, the Secretary of MBJB, had an air of optimism. After the ceremony, Haji Mohd Farid joined the team in observing the process, which is crucial for controlling the stray dog population in a humane and sustainable way. Each dog’s journey—from capture to the gentle hands of veterinarians who neutered them—symbolised a step toward a better future for both the dogs and Johor Bahru’s communities.

While the numbers and logistics are impressive, the campaign is ultimately about compassion and commitment to a humane solution for stray management. For every dog spared from a life of hardship on the streets, ACT JOHOR offers hope and a fresh start, giving Johor Bahru’s strays a brighter, safer future.