KOTA KINABALU: The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Kota Kinabalu (SPCAKK) is aiming to make Sabah the country’s first “animal-loving” state.

Its president Loretta Lucas said if they were able to achieve the goal, it would serve not only to fulfil the Society’s purpose but also elevate Sabah’s status as a role model both in the nation and in the international arena.

She said to achieve this, SPCAKK would be taking a multi-pronged initiative to inculcate proper treatment of pets and animals among pet owners and the public here, through support from the government, schools and religious institutions.

“It is only through education that society able to address such issues and to avoid future abuse, and neglect of pets and other domesticated animals,” she said in a press statement yesterday.

Loretta noted that Kota Kinabalu City Hall was so far the first to commit to SPCAKK’s plan, while the Catholic Church of Sabah reacted positively to their proposal after a recent meeting with Archbishop Datuk John Lee.

In her statement, the Archbishop mentioned that although religion focused on kindness towards people, particularly children, it was meant to encompass all things created by God.

Accordingly, the Archbishop further stated that perhaps emphasising a little more about kindness towards animals would do some good, and assured that he would bring it up during his diosesan seminar.

Loretta added that SPCAKK planned to meet with the State Education director to discuss the possibility of incorporating a special module in the state’s school syllabus, focussing on caring for pets and other domestic animals.

She also planned to propose to the government to set up an Animal Police Unit and Animal Rescue Unit.