Purrfect Solutions: The LA Snip to Save Paw-sitive Movement for UTM’s Stray Cats

Lokman Hafiz Asary

JOHOR BAHRU, May 25 – A dedicated group of student volunteers initiated a massive neutering program as part of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) project led by Lokman Hafiz Asary from the Language Academy at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). This important initiative was prompted by recent observations of numerous cats being abandoned on campus, resulting in a significant increase in their population. Numerous pregnant cats were spotted in the area.

The campaign has received full support from Associate Professor Dr. Hadina Habil, the Chair of the Language Academy. It all started with a small effort from the WhatsApp community group called LA Pawrents, which consists of colleagues from the Language Academy. This group has been actively working on neutering cats, particularly to assist students facing financial difficulties. Lokman stated, “It wouldn’t make a lasting impact if we only provide food to the target group; instead, we need to give them the tools to earn their own income.”

“Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime,” he added. Recognising this, he formed a volunteer group aimed at educating individuals to become agents of change. He emphasised, “It is our responsibility to teach the younger generation about the importance of controlling the feline population. Overpopulation kills,” he concluded.

The crews were divided into several groups to trap the felines in a few targeted areas.

This CSR project at UTM is unique due to its strong focus on the well-being of cats. It is widely recognised that the most humane and sustainable way to control stray cat populations is through the CNR approach: Catch-Neuter-Return. While ideally every cat would have a warm and loving home, the harsh reality is that many stray cats live without such refuge. S2S volunteers and LA Pawrents work tirelessly to improve the welfare of these animals, particularly at the UTM campus. Their primary goal is to reduce the stray population through humane methods that prioritise the well-being of the cats.

The team arrived at Noah’s Ark Clinic for this CSR project

The group began by identifying as many stray cats as possible, particularly females, before the event took place. Members carefully catalogued the cats, with Mr. Lokman taking the initiative to train the team on how to identify which cats had not been neutered. He emphasised, “It is important to educate the crew to distinguish between spayed and unspayed cats.” He believes that community education is crucial for meaningful change. “This is not a one-person job; we need the community to get involved and help us get the ball rolling,” he stated.

This is precisely why this CSR project extends beyond a simple neutering program. It aims to educate society about their responsibility to coexist harmoniously with stray animals. During the campaign, Lokman and Dr. Farhana Abu Bakar shared essential insights regarding the welfare of stray cats at UTM with student volunteers. Through a brief training session, they created several awareness posters to display around campus, serving as constant reminders of our collective responsibility. The workshop titled “Young Creators: Using AI & Canva to Create Children’s Books” (Introductory Course) was designed to raise awareness through illustration and encourage young generations to understand the importance of caring for animal welfare. The initial phase involves launching these posters, with plans to develop a children’s book following the screening.

Nineteen cats were successfully trapped and transported to Noah’s Ark Animal Clinic for neutering. The collaboration between the Language Academy, UTM, and Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Shelter (NANAS) exemplifies a committed partnership dedicated to promoting animal welfare.

All the carriers were meticulously labelled upon arriving at the clinic.

The LA Snip to Save Paw-sitive campaign highlights the transformative impact of community-based action and education in promoting humane treatment of animals. Through targeted neutering efforts, awareness initiatives, and partnerships, this project not only tackles the pressing issue of stray cat overpopulation but also fosters a culture of compassion and responsibility within the UTM campus.

As the initiative continues to expand, it serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that small, dedicated efforts can lead to significant and lasting change. With ongoing support and active involvement from students and staff, we can aim to create a harmonious environment where humans and animals coexist peacefully and responsibly.

Prepared by: Lokman Hafiz Asary & Dr. Farhana Abu Bakar (Language Academy)