People who open their homes to stray animals often find the experience life-changing in ways they never anticipated.

This includes former accounting and finance lecturer Choong Koon Yean, 50, who has been adopting cats off Penang’s streets ever since she was a teenager.

She currently has seven of them, with the oldest cat being 17-year-old Cotton – a gentle, white-coated “lady” that loves nothing more than relaxing cuddles and neck scratches.

“Cotton is special, not just because she’s been with me the longest, but also because she helped kick-start my trap- neuter-release/rehome (TNR/R) journey,” said Choong.

Back in 2009 when Choong lived in Pulau Tikus, there were over 30 stray cats roaming her street and surrounding back lanes. Something had to be done.

Using her own money, she began her own TNR/R mission.

She rounded up the cats and had them neutered.

She adopted some and released the rest back to the colony to live out their natural lives.

“By the time I relocated in 2022, there were zero stray cats left on my former street.

Choong with Cotton, a 17-year-old former stray.

“Imagine how many there would be today if nothing was done.

“TNR/R works when done right and this is why I believe in it so deeply,” she explained.

Despite being a “cat person”, Choong also cares about the plight of stray dogs and realises the same methods can be used to humanely control its population in Penang.

So, she founded the International Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) Penang chapter in 2017, with the main objective to implement the TNR/R programme in collaboration with Penang Island City Council.

The efforts made Penang one of the few regions in Malaysia where stray dogs are no longer subjected to systematic and inhumane culling.

This has spared over 7,600 dogs from unnecessary suffering to date, said Choong.

Once neutered, the majority are released while suitable ones are put up for adoption, she said.

“Every dog and puppy under our adoption programme are vet-checked, vaccinated, dewormed and treated for fleas or ticks.

“Those old enough are also trained to walk on a leash and taught basic obedience.

“Our adoption manager works hard to match the right dog with the right home, increasing the chances of a lifelong bond.

“People who adopt from us are not just saving a life, they’re also making space for the next street dog in need and supporting real, lasting change,” she added.

Since the programme started, IAPWA Penang has re-homed over 1,000 former stray dogs, most of them mongrels.

“Mongrels have a wider pool of genes, which gives them stronger immune systems and lowers their risk of inheriting genetic disorders or breed-specific diseases that are common in purebred ones.

“Each dog’s temperament reflects their past. Some are cautious due to previous abuse or neglect, while others are friendly and eager to bond from the start.

“They all have different life stories but will respond beautifully to love and become the most loving pets and family members,” Choong said.

To sustain the ongoing TNR/R programme, IAPWA Penang will be hosting a fundraising Vegetarian Charity Dinner on Sept 28 at SJK (C) Shang Wu in Jalan La Salle, Air Itam, starting 7pm.

Guests will enjoy a meat-free meal, hear real-life stories from IAPWA Penang rescuers and witness how small acts of kindness can create beneficial, long-lasting effects for the community.

Tickets are priced at RM150 per person or RM1,388 for a table of 10.

The evening also offers visibility opportunities for sponsors and donors who will have their brands or names seen at the event, in printed materials and online.

“Our journey is far from over. Every surgery, every vaccination and every day of care for these animals incur ongoing operational costs,” said Choong.

“With rising veterinary expenses and limited funding, public support is more vital than ever.

“Each ticket purchased will directly fund vaccinations, neutering, feeding and medical care for Penang’s stray animals.

“Your support will help save lives and build a kinder, more humane future for our furry friends.

“Strays don’t need pity, they need a chance,” Choong added.

For details, call 010-388 3487 or visit www.facebook.com/IAPWAPenang