The Melaka Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization that began in 1992. The SPCA Melaka is the only organization in Melaka dedicated to animal welfare as well as the only animal shelter. The shelter currently contains over 200 animals, including, cats, dogs, ducks, and chickens. The SPCA’s mission and goals include: campaigning against cruelty to animals, providing a temporary shelter to animals in need, finding a home for animals through an adoption program, and striving to change current laws toward clearer guidelines for animal welfare. Other objectives of the SPCA Melaka are the promotion of awareness toward animal cruelty and sterilization as a way to control animal populations. Also, the SPCA strives to educate the public on responsible pet ownership and the treatment of Melaka’s stray animal population.
The SPCA Melaka is run by a core group of devoted volunteers who serve as board members. The board makes decisions regarding fundraising events and educational programs and provides much of the hands on work needed to keep the shelter operational. Currently, the SPCA Melaka sits on land earmarked for development. New land offered by the local government is unacceptable because of religious and cultural views by the local neighborhood toward animals–specifically dogs. The SPCA must now focus on raising enough funds to purchase their own land and construct a new shelter.
