Turning Sabah into the first ‘animal loving’ state

Loretta (left) with Archbishop Lee. Loretta wants to propose an Animal Police Unit and Animal Rescue Unit be set up in the state.

KOTA KINABALU: The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Kota Kinabalu (SPCAKK) is aiming to make Sabah the country’s first “animal-loving” state.

SPCAKK president Loretta Lucas said if they are able to achieve the goal, it would serve not only to fulfil the society’s purpose but also elevate Sabah’s status as a role-model both nationwide and internationally.

To achieve this, she said SPCAKK is taking a multi-pronged initiative to inculcate proper treatment of pets and animals among pet owners and the public here, through support from the government, schools and religious institutions.

“It is only through education that society is able to address such issues and avoid future abuse and neglect of pets and other domesticated animals,” she said in a press statement.

Loretta noted that KK City Hall is so far the first to commit to SPCAKK’s plan, while the Catholic Church of Sabah reacted positively to their proposal after a recent meeting with Archbishop Datuk John Lee.

In his statement, the Archbishop mentioned that although religion focused on kindness towards people, particularly children, it was meant to encompass all things created by god. Accordingly, the Archbishop further stated that, perhaps emphasising a little more about kindness towards animals would do good and assured that he would bring it up during his diocesan seminar.

Loretta added that SPCAKK plans to meet with the State Education Director to discuss the possibility of incorporating a special module in the state’s school syllabus, focusing on caring for pets and other domestic animals. She also plans to propose to the government to set up an Animal Police Unit as well as an Animal Rescue Unit.

“I wish to call on all people who have the ability to make things happen, such as political and religious figures and people of authority to come together and help SPCAKK achieve its goal for the good of the country” she said.