ISPCA at 40: A Lifeline for 300 Dogs in Ipoh
Located on a modest 1.6-acre plot of land in Simpang Pulai, the Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) has been quietly rescuing, sheltering, and caring for stray, abandoned and abused dogs for 40 years.
Some 300 dogs currently call the shelter home. All of them have been neutered, vaccinated, and cared for by a small team of dedicated individuals. It is a no-kill shelter, run without any government funding, and reliant solely on the generosity of the public to survive.
A Shelter Stretched Thin
With a minimum monthly operating cost of RM15,000, the shelter can only afford to feed the dogs once a day. Despite no longer being able to accept new dogs due to space, staffing, and financial constraints, people continue to abandon dogs at the gates, often in heartbreaking conditions.
The shelter may be full, but the compassion behind its walls never runs out. The reality, however, is sobering: more dogs are dumped than adopted, and the shelter is operating at maximum capacity.
Yesterday, EMILY2U MEDIA was invited to visit the shelter and witness the conditions firsthand. The dogs have limited space to roam, are fed minimally, and live in overcrowded conditions.
While volunteers do their best, the challenges are immense. The visit served as a powerful reminder that behind every rescued dog is a story, and a group of people working around the clock to give these dogs a second chance.
Not Just a Shelter But a Shared Responsibility
ISPCA’s long-term approach has always focused on awareness and education, particularly around neutering.
Between 2017 and 2023, the shelter carried out over 10,000 neutering procedures, helping reduce the stray dog population in a humane and sustainable way.
However, from 2024 onwards, the number of cases has dropped. Volunteers have grown disheartened, especially when their efforts are undermined. Dogs that are part of the TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programme, easily identified by red ISPCA collars, have still been captured and dumped. It’s an ongoing setback for those working tirelessly behind the scenes.
ISPCA President Ricky Soong put it plainly, “A shelter isn’t a long-term solution. It’s a ticking time bomb. What happens to these 300 dogs if the land is taken back or if I’m no longer here?”
How You Can Help Right Now
The shelter is struggling, but there are plenty of ways for the public to lend a hand:
in cash or kind to help with food, medical supplies, and upkeep
a dog and give it a second chance at a loving home – bulk adoption for factories and farms is most welcome
a dog for a monthly contribution to cover food and care
You can also help by spreading awareness. Every conversation, share or post about ISPCA makes a difference.
Join the Celebration, Make an Impact
To mark its 40th anniversary, ISPCA is hosting a fundraising dinner on 26th July 2025 at Exquisite Seafood Restaurant, Ipoh, aiming to raise RM80,000.
The evening promises performances, food, and community spirit, but behind the celebration is a cause that desperately needs support.
As Ricky shared, “People who attend our dinners only see the fun – singing, dancing, laughter. They don’t see the sleepless nights, the heartbreak, and the constant worry about how we’ll make it through another month.”
Now’s your chance to be part of a meaningful effort. Buy a ticket, bring your friends, and help keep the shelter running.
These dogs may have been abandoned once, but with your help, they’ll never be forgotten again.
Donations to ISPCA are tax exempted / 款千ISPCA是可兔税
Public Bank: 3060433821
Cheques must be made to / 支票请名
“The Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals”.
Video: ISPCA at 40: A Lifeline for 300 Dogs in Ipoh
