Following the recent white flags movement, another campaign where red flags are raised has been launched to help struggling pet owners. The campaign, #KempenKibarBenderaMerah or also referred to as #BenderaMerah, was first posted on Wednesday, 30 June through Facebook. Arie Dwi Andika, Malaysia Animal Association asked struggling pet owners to reach out to their neighbors by raising a red flag.
This initiative was reached after an increase in pet dumping since the early start of the Movement Control Order (MCO). He said that due to financial problems, owners are unable to continue caring for their pets and eventually will dump them on the streets.
“Long-fostered cats and dogs have become part of our family. So it’s sad to see new faces on the street,” Arie said
“[They are] in fear and awkwardly adjusting to the prospect of hunger, attacks or fights [with other strays], and not being able to independently find food.”
According to him, the dumped cats and dogs will definitely end up with injuries, trauma, infectious diseases, and the worst case is even death. He continued that their association needs cooperation from the community to help the struggling pet owners.
“Be concerned and ask if they have enough food supply for their cats and dogs so help can be given to them,” he said.
Arie believed that through the help and concern of the people around, issues like pet dumping and animal cruelty that is caused by the stress faced by the owners can be tackled.
Sources: Facebook Malaysia Animal Association