Singapore Embassy helps save stray dogs in Jakarta

JAKARTA - The Singapore Embassy in Jakarta yesterday held a charity drive to help save stray dogs.

The event, held at the Singapore International School Bona Vista in South Jakarta, saw two dog shelters putting up for adoption abandoned dogs rescued from the streets.

There was also a donation drive, with funds collected handed over to the two shelters - Hope for Dogs and Let's Adopt! (Indonesia) - which have for several years been saving strays and finding them temporary foster families as well as new homes.

The dog-adoption charity drive was part of a slew of events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Singapore's independence this year.

The embassy in January held an educational film screening and plans a gala dinner on May 13, with diners' donations to be given to the Indonesian Red Cross.

"We are not holding only celebratory events but also events (through which) we can give something back to the community," Singapore Ambassador Anil Kumar Nayar told The Straits Times.

Yesterday's event attracted more than 100 people. Most of Indonesia's Muslims, who make up nearly 90 per cent of the country's 240-million population, practise a moderate form of Islam.

More than 20 per cent of dog owners in Jakarta are Muslim and many Muslim veterinarians treat pet dogs, said Mr Muhammad Mulyadi, a senior officer in the Jakarta city government who deals with stray-dog problems.

Explaining the stray-dog problem, he said: "Many Jakartans bought dogs (because of their) cuteness, and left them on the streets after three months as the dogs were no longer cute puppies. And others who moved out of Jakarta decided to leave their dogs on a street or at vacant lands."

Jakartans yesterday thanked the embassy for the charity drive.

"It is the first time an embassy approached us and offered help in our cause. We are grateful," said Ms Anastasia Indria, a volunteer with Hope for Dogs.

wahyudis@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on April 27, 2015.
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