UPM student just can’t wait to be a vet

PETALING JAYA: Her passion for stray animals is driving Chelly Chin Sze Lee (pic) to become a veterinary doctor.

The 23-year-old discovered this years ago when she adopted three stray dogs in her neighbourhood.

Now pursuing her studies at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), she is working her way steadily towards her goal.

Meanwhile, the third-year student participates in animal-related activities such as the Dogathon.

Although Chin has been joining the event since 2015, this year is her first as a committee member of the annual event organised by thirdyear veterinary students from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

“Owners can run with their dogs for 2.6km under the shady trees of UPM,” she said, adding that other fun activities were the Doggie Limbo, an eating competition and a game of fetch.

Besides raising awareness about animal welfare issues, Dogathon assists and raises funds for the annual Pro-Kasih programme – Catch, Neuter and Release (CNR) – targeted at stray cats.

“This is to control their popula- tion by neutering them in a humane manner.

“It also addresses the problem of stray animals and educates people about sterilisation too,” she said of the upcoming programme in September.

Chin said the veterinary students would also organise talks in several universities and schools, among them being about responsible pet ownership.

She said the life of veterinary students was always packed with practical works.

“We do not have holidays, just like animals don’t have theirs. There must be someone to be ready to take care for them at all times.

“I spend most of my semester breaks in poultry farms, cattle farms, in wildlife and aquatic parks,” she added.

Chin said taking care of animals did not come without challenges.

“Once, in Sandakan, I was preparing Napier grass to feed the cows when on the third day, I had rashes all over my body.

“I got an injection for it, but I still have the scars with me now,” she added.

Nevertheless, Chin is not dampened. She wants to further her expertise in veterinary acupuncture.