KUCHING: The Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), in collaboration with the Community Progressive Organisation Kuching, has announced Pet Walk 2025 in April to raise awareness about the plight of stray animals while promoting animal welfare.
According to the President of SSPCA, Datin Dona Drury-Wee, the walk will take place on April 27 at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Foyer to celebrate World Stray Animal Day, which is traditionally observed on April 4.
“The walk is scheduled for April, coinciding with World Stray Animal Day celebrations.
“So, this event highlights the plight of stray animals and serves as a powerful platform to unite our community in support of animal welfare,” she said yesterday.
Dona also emphasized that the walk is a pet-friendly event where participants can bring pets.
“This is a pet-friendly event, so dogs must be on a leash, and other pets must be under the reasonable control of their owner.
“Cats and dogs must also show proof of anti-rabies vaccination upon registration,” she added.
Additionally, she mentioned that half of the proceeds from the event will be donated to SSPCA to support their efforts in caring for and sheltering stray animals.
“The event symbolizes hope for a future where stray animals are treated with compassion and dignity, and the awareness raised through this initiative will undoubtedly make a lasting difference in the lives of the animals in our shelter.
“So, 50 per cent of the proceeds from the event will be donated to SSPCA,” she expressed.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Community Progressive Organisation Kuching, Ryan Jee, stated that Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee will be the guest of honour at Pet Walk 2025, with MBKS Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng as a guest.
“The Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng will be one of our distinguished guests, and the event will be held at MBKS.
“We are also proud to have the support of the Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing & Local Government II (Public, Health & Housing), Datuk Michael Tiang, who will be our special guest at this event,” he added.
He also hopes the event will attract 1,000 participants and their pets, which are not limited to just cats and dogs, to Pet Walk 2025.
“Our target is to gather 1,000 participants, and so far, we already have 200 registered, with nearly 100 bringing their pets.
“This year, the event will feature not only cats and dogs but also other pets like birds, and perhaps even a snake or two, as this is the year of the snake.
“However, all participating animals must comply with legal requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience,” he said.
Pet Walk 2025 will feature a 3-kilometer route, pet-friendly activities, and a competition for the ‘Top 10 Most Creative Pets and Owners’ award, where participants can submit photos of their pets for public voting.
Other highlights include a free health screening by the Kuching Health Department and registration for SSPCA’s subsidized neutering campaign.
Registration for the walk is now open until March 23 via the Ticket2U website at https://www.ticket2u.com.my/event/39312/pet-walk-2025.
