ISPCA’s Milestone Charity Dinner: One Night of Heartbreak

On 26th July 2025, the Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) hosted its 40ᵗʰ annual charity dinner at the Exquisite Seafood Restaurant.

With 85 tables fully booked, the dinner with the theme of anime and cosplay was expected to be a joyous tribute to four decades of tireless advocacy for animals.

Yet, the evening took a solemn turn. What should have been a celebratory milestone became a heartbreaking chapter in ISPCA’s history. Instead of cheer and applause, the occasion echoed with emotion, reflection, and a painful farewell to the society’s most meaningful initiative – the TNRM programme.

Saying Goodbye to a Humane Solution

TNRM (Trap, Neuter, Return, Manage) had been at the heart of ISPCA’s effort for the past seven years. Volunteers dedicated their time, energy and resources to rescuing, sterilising, and rehoming over 10,000 stray dogs, offering them a life of dignity instead of death. These dogs, identifiable by their red collars, became a symbol of a compassionate, modern approach to managing strays.

However, during the event, ISPCA President Ricky Soong announced that the TNRM partnership with the Ipoh City Council (MBI) had officially discontinued. The programme, once seen as a beacon of hope for stray dogs, was abruptly halted. The implication was clear: humane population control would now give way to resumed culling.

Ricky, visibly emotional, bowed to the crowd and wept as he apologised. Not for any wrongdoing, but for the helplessness he felt, for the thousands of animals who would no longer be given a second chance. “Your trust and efforts will never be forgotten,” he said to the volunteers, vets, and supporters who had walked this journey with ISPCA.

Controversy, Clarity, and a Cry for Accountability

The week leading up to the dinner was charged with tension. A distressing video surfaced, showing alleged inhumane treatment of stray dogs, including PTS (put to sleep). Public anger exploded and protesters took to the streets. The spotlight once again turned to MBI’s handling of stray population.

At the press conference, Ricky Soong addressed the backlash head-on. He clarified that ISPCA’s TNRM programme had been misunderstood and misrepresented. Unlike some city-run initiatives, ISPCA’s efforts were based on international standards, including microchipping, something absent from the Council’s methods.

He revealed that ISPCA had received conflicting letters from MBI. The first claimed there had never been a collaboration; the second amended that to say there had been none “recently.” Videos produced in 2017, once endorsed, were now being scrutinised.

Ricky proposed an idea that resonated with many—establishing an independent, neutral body such as a judicial officer or third-party observer to monitor animal control practices. “Let it be transparent,” he urged, calling for compassion, not secrecy, in the treatment of voiceless beings.

A Gathering of Hearts and Voices

Despite the grief that hung in the air, the night wasn’t without warmth. The event was graced by Datin Janet Yeoh, mother of Oscar-winning actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh. Her attendance, her first in support of ISPCA, brought a sense of validation to the cause and a glimmer of hope for its future.

Two honorary ambassadors, Datin Caroline Wong and Datin Maylene Yong, each brought their touch of inspiration. Datin Maylene travelled from Selangor with a group of friends, one of whom was Dr Jenet Foo (PhD), who took the stage with a beautiful song.

Datin Caroline electrified the room with a ten-month-in-the-making K-pop performance, her way of expressing dedication to a cause close to her heart.

A light-hearted “Best Dressed” segment gave attendees a chance to smile, with Ng Keem Foong earning well-deserved recognition.

Four Decades of Purpose and Persistence

Founded in 1985, ISPCA has never wavered in its mission to care for Ipoh’s stray animals. In a city where development often overshadows compassion, ISPCA stood firm. From food drives to medical aid, from advocacy to education, the society has filled the gaps where policies fell short.

The sudden halt of the TNRM programme is not just a logistical loss. It is a moral one. It raises urgent questions about governance, transparency, and the value placed on life, especially lives that cannot speak for themselves.

President Ricky Soong, Deputy President Joey Foo and the wider ISPCA team remain committed. The battle is not over, even if this chapter closed with sorrow.

Moving Forward with Courage

The 40ᵗʰ Annual Charity Dinner will be remembered not just for its tears, but for its truth. It shone a harsh light on the realities faced by those who care for the forgotten. It reminded the public that kindness is not weakness and that silent suffering deserves a voice.

As Ricky Soong said that night, “Kindness and responsibility will never cease.” That mantra now echoes louder than ever. This is not just ISPCA’s story. It belongs to every animal lover, every volunteer who gave their time, and every person who believes that even the smallest life matters.

Event: ISPCA 40th Annual Charity Dinner 2025
Venue: Exquisite Seafood Restaurant, Ipoh
Date: 26th July, 2025
Time: 7pm