Introduction

"The important issue in man's exploitation of animals is that they should not neglect the animal's welfare. Man may use animals for various purposes as long as he treats them well and cares for their well-being.... Pets kept at home should receive proper grooming, diet, and immediate veterinary attention when they fall ill.

The future will see greater concern for the welfare of animals besides the recognition of the role animals can play in the social well-being of man."

(Abstract from the "History, Development and Prospects of the Animal Industry and Veterinary Services in Malaysia" edited by Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Ahmad Mustaffa Babjee, former Director-General of the Department of Veterinary Services.)

The final statement as addressed in the above abstract by Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Ahmad Mustaffa Babjee has now evolved into what the Foundation hopes to enhance and promote.

Realising the urgent need for public participation, he organised an animal week in 1985 and again in 1988. He felt that it was the responsibility of the profession to establish close interaction between man and animal not only for the well being of animals but to enhance man's quality of life.

"A Community & Cats" pilot pet adoption project

Timingly in 1996, the Veterinary Association of Malaysia (VAM) took up the responsibility to raise funds in support of animal welfare and undertake community projects under its President, Dr. S. Sivagurunathan. A "Community & Cats" pilot pet adoption programme for Cheshire Home was jointly organised by the Association with the Department of Veterinary Services, Majlis Kebajikan Masyarakat, Feline Society of Malaysia and Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. USA.

VAM fund raising

Having proven effective, a similar one was conducted for Rumah Amal Cahaya Tengku

Ampuan Rahimah (RACTAR). The same year, VAM under its
next president, Dato' Dr. Anwar Hassan, began fund raising activities, the first one being launch of the calendar "Choosing a Puppy To Suit Your Lifestyle" officiated by the Director General of the Department of Veterinary Services, Dato' Dr. Hadi bin Hashim, on 16 December 1996.

More cat adoption programmes followed; one with the KL Society for the Deaf and another with Rumah Ozanam. Two public seminars aimed at educating the community on responsible pet ownership were also held and these are now being conducted on an ongoing basis in several States in the country.

On 15 November 1997, the foundation was legally register

The protem committee registered the Foundation as 'Yayasan Kebajikan Haiwan Kebangsaan Malaysia (Malaysian National Animal Welfare Foundation)' on 27 April 1998 with its address at Wisma Medivet, No. 8, Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur and drew up its mission statement, tag line, and aims and objectives.

On 5 December 1997, the Minister of Agriculture, Y.B. Datuk Amar Dr. Sulaiman Bin Haji Daud, announced the formation of the Malaysian National Animal Welfare Council and Malaysian National Animal Welfare Foundation at the 25th Anniversary of Animal Medical Centre Sdn Bhd. At this event the book "Pets Have Feelings Too" authored by Dr. S. Sivagurunathan, was launched with proceeds from sales of the book donated by him to the Animal Welfare Fund of the Veterinary Association of Malaysia.

The first Annual General Meeting of MNAWF was held on 24th October 1998 at the Royal Selangor Club where a permanent executive committee was elected with Dato' Dr. Mohd Nordin
b. Mohd. Nor, who is also Director General of the Department of Veterinary Services, as Chairman. It also approved the appointment of Y.M. Dato' Paduka Tok Puan Seri Di Raja Noor Aini Binti Datuk Abdullah, D.S.P.J., as patron of the Foundation.