The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) said yesterday that 523 stray dogs and cats were adopted last year, according to IAM President Chao Wai Ieng.
Chao made the remarks during an opening ceremony for the “Animal Protection Fun Day” yesterday in Praça do Tap Seac.
Chao noted in a speech that the Municipal Affairs Bureau introduced optimised pet quarantine policies and customs clearance measures in 2024 and this year, providing greater convenience for residents, pointing out that 17 dog-walking areas equipped with canine playground equipment, pavilions, and other facilities have been established in Macau and are continuously being upgraded and optimised.
Moreover, Chao noted that the Municipal Affairs Bureau plans to gradually increase the number of green spaces open to dogs, while adopting a management approach that equally emphasises humanitarian care and scientific management for stray animals.
33 stray dogs
Choi Sok I, who heads the IAM Animal Inspection and Control Division, told reporters on the sidelines of yesterday’s event that a concentrated operation recently captured 33 stray dogs in areas such as Coloane. They are currently under quarantine observation in good condition, and those assessed as being healthy and of suitable temperament will be put up for adoption.
The bureau manages stray animals by cleaning up the environment and promoting “adoption instead of purchase,” Choi said, adding that the bureau plans to expand the Coloane Municipal Kennel, with the tender expected to close in the middle of this month. Construction is expected to commence next year, pending favourable conditions, to improve sheltering facilities, she said.
Many stray animals are the offspring of unsterilised animals, Choi said, pointing out that among the captured individuals, only about 5.0 percent are chipped with owner registration.
Adopt, don’t shop!
Furthermore, through cooperation with animal protection organisations, the bureau promotes “adoption instead of purchase”. Once captured, stray animals undergo health checks and sterilisation by veterinarians before being arranged for adoption, Choi said.
The “Animal Protection Fun Day” featured a pet play zone, a pet obedience competition, dog trainer sessions, magic and dance performances, an animal adoption information zone, and rabies vaccination services. The one-day event aimed to further raise public awareness of animal welfare, continuously promote pet adoption over purchase, and champion the concept of being a responsible pet owner.
Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) President Chao Wai Ieng addresses yesterday’s opening ceremony for “Animal Protection Fun Day” in Praça do Tap Seac.
A police dog handler poses with his K9 partner alongside an event visitor and his dog at the Animal Protection Fun Day in Praça do Tap Seac yesterday. – Photos: Ida Cheong
