Universiti Malaya initiative promotes responsible pet ownership

Emphasising the growing connection between animal welfare and public health, Universiti Malaya Faculty of Medicine recently hosted the 12th Animal Awareness Day at The Cube, bringing together veterinary experts, researchers, students and members of the public under the theme “Healthy Pets, Strong Bonds”.

The initiative, organised by UM’s Department of Parasitology, the Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), and the Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (MSPTM), aimed to translate veterinary science into practical community action.

The programme was led by Event Chairman Dr. Tan Tiong Kai alongside Prof. Dr. Lau Yee Ling, with Dato’ Dr. Chandrawathani Panchadcharam serving as primary advisor. The event also received support from corporate sponsors Rhone Ma and Elanco.

Following a series of academic seminars earlier in the day, the initiative shifted its focus towards direct public engagement through a dedicated Veterinary Service Booth offering free clinical care for domestic cats.

Pre-registered cats received complimentary vaccinations, deworming treatments, as well as flea and tick prevention services. Organisers said such preventative healthcare measures were essential in reducing the spread of zoonotic diseases — infections that can be transmitted between animals and humans.

Among the diseases highlighted were rabies, leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis, all of which continue to pose public health concerns globally. Veterinary professionals at the event stressed that routine preventive care plays a significant role in disrupting parasite and pathogen transmission cycles, ultimately contributing to safer communities.

Raising awareness against animal cruelty

Beyond veterinary services, the initiative also addressed concerns surrounding stray animal management and animal cruelty through educational outreach and adoption advocacy.

An Adoption and Rescue Showcase featured participation from Klang Valley-based shelters, encouraging visitors to adopt rescued animals instead of purchasing pets from pedigree breeders. Organisers said adoption campaigns could help reduce the number of abandoned animals while promoting responsible ownership.

Visitors were also invited to participate in an Interactive Kindness Wall, where attendees pledged their commitment to protecting animal welfare and supporting humane treatment practices.

Educational materials distributed during the programme outlined various forms of neglect and abuse, including prolonged confinement, tethering pets for extended periods, and leaving animals trapped inside overheated vehicles. Organisers emphasised that such acts constituted cruelty and required greater public vigilance.

To strengthen community response mechanisms, attendees were provided with official reporting channels, including the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), animal welfare groups such as Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Selangor, as well as emergency veterinary facilities in the Klang Valley for urgent animal trauma cases.

Organisers said the initiative reflected a broader effort to foster compassion, strengthen public awareness and encourage shared responsibility between communities, pet owners and healthcare professionals in safeguarding both animal and human wellbeing.